Cavaliers look to capitalize on struggling Blazers as Mobley prepares to challenge Avdija
The Cleveland Cavaliers are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Facing their fourth Western Conference opponent of the season, the Blazers arrive at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse reeling from a three-game losing streak and struggling to find their rhythm on both ends of the court.
For the Cavaliers, the recent victory against the Indiana Pacers marked a much-needed rebound, ending a two-game skid. With the Pacers managing only four wins this season, Cleveland views this matchup against Portland as an opportunity to assert its defensive prowess.
Mobley’s Defensive Showcase
At the forefront of Cleveland’s defensive strategy is Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Mobley’s ability to protect the rim and exhibit quick lateral movement will be put to the test against a Blazers squad that has had significant difficulties scoring. Currently, they are tied with the Pacers for the lowest three-point shooting percentage in the league at 32%. Their struggles extend to two-point shooting as well, where they rank 25th, converting only 46% of their attempts.
Moreover, the Blazers find themselves among the bottom ten teams for both rim efficiency and mid-range scoring. Despite these struggles, they have been active in the paint, hitting 43% of their field goals in that area, placing them 13th in the league.
Avdija’s Rise as a Scoring Threat
Much of Portland’s offensive output has come from Deni Avdija, who is enjoying a breakout season. The sixth-year forward is averaging a career-high 25.8 points on 47% shooting, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. Recently, Avdija delivered a remarkable performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, recording a triple-double with 31 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, although it resulted in a 123-115 loss.
In a subsequent game against the Toronto Raptors, he continued to shine, contributing 25 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds, though Portland fell short again, losing 121-118. After a successful run in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament, where he finished third in scoring with an average of 24 points per game for Israel, Avdija has emerged as a key player for the Blazers.
Cleveland’s Opportunity to Strike
For the Cavaliers, containing Avdija will be crucial. By leveraging Mobley’s defensive capabilities, the team can aim to force turnovers and ignite fast-break opportunities—hallmarks of the Cleveland style that fans grew accustomed to last season. Following their recent victory, Donovan Mitchell emphasized the importance of consistency, stating that this is the level of play the team should aspire to maintain every night.
As the Cavaliers prepare to face the Blazers, the stage is set for a compelling clash, with Cleveland eager to capitalize on Portland’s struggles while showcasing their defensive strengths.
