CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs (13-9) begin a three-game homestand against Western Conference opponents when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (8-13) at Rocket Arena on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Eastern.
Portland enters on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
Despite sitting 10th in the Western Conference and struggling from the floor — second-worst in 3-point efficiency and third-worst in field goal percentage — the Blazers excel in areas that directly challenge Cleveland’s defense.
They rank third in pace and second in offensive rebounding percentage, metrics that expose transition vulnerabilities and create second-chance opportunities against a Cavs unit ranked 10th in defensive efficiency. Portland’s style forces Cleveland to defend under constant pressure, testing rotations, closeout discipline and communication on both ends of the court.
How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Series: First of two matchups in the regular season.
Where: Rocket Arena
When: 7 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavaliers minus-10.5; O/U 238.5
TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury report
Cavs
Probable:
Out:
- Jarrett Allen (right third finger; strain)
- Chris Livingston (G League – Two-Way)
- Sam Merrill (right hand; sprain)
- Larry Nance Jr. (right calf; strain)
- Max Strus (left foot; Jones fracture surgery)
Trail Blazers
Not yet submitted (second night of a back-to-back).
