Basketball fans will get a special gift on Christmas Day when the Cavaliers and Warriors tangle in a rematch of last season’s Finals. The top teams in their respective conference once again, the two are on a collision course to meet for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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LOOK AHEAD
The Cavaliers were missing several key pieces when they faced Golden State in last season’s Finals. In all likelihood, Cleveland will have its ingredients in the mix for the Christmas Day rematch. Kyrie Irving returned last weekend and will be back on the floor where he fractured his kneecap in Game 1 of the Finals. Cleveland also played that series without Kevin Love, who was out with a shoulder injury. Both teams played on Wednesday with the Cavs hosting the Knicks before hopping on a plane for a Western Conference road trip that will have them play four games in five nights. At least the biggest game of the bunch is the first one. The Cavs head to Portland on Saturday and finish with a back-to-back set at Phoenix and Denver starting Monday. . Meanwhile, the Dubs are chillin in NorCal and will play the fourth of a five-game homestand.
INJURIES
The Cavs survived the first part of the season without Irving thanks to the stellar play of point guard Mo Williams. Now he’s questionable with a sprained right thumb suffered last week. With Irving and Iman Shumpert returning to the lineup, Williams will see a more limited role.
Andrew Bogut left the Warrior’s game against Milwaukee with back spasms, a lingering condition for the 7-footer. It’s unknown at this time if he’ll be ready to play on Friday. Also, forward Harrison Barnes, who hasn’t played since late November, is still on the mind from a high ankle sprain and is unlikely to play.
KEY MATCHUP
As he gathered his teammates just outside the locker room for his customary pregame huddle, LeBron James looked at a circle that was complete. For the first time in six months, Irving was in it as he made his season debut after a long recovery from knee surgery. So was Iman Shumpert and Kevin Love. For the first time since late April, the Cavaliers’ big three were all in uniform together when Cleveland’s first round sweep of the Celtics was marred by Love’s shoulder injury. So it wasn’t surprising that the Cavs went out and crushed the 76ers on Sunday. First, because everyone gets healthy against the Sixers. Second, because the Cavs have been nearly unbeatable when James, Irving and Love play together. Since January, when James returned from his two-week injury sabbatical, the Cavs are 34-3 when their $250 million trio of All-Stars suit up together. Maybe there is some added motivation for this circle that was less than whole when the clubs met in June.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Some might argue that the Cavaliers would have won the Finals last season with a full roster and it’s hard to dispute that. James carried the club to two wins over the eventual champs without having Love and Irving by his side. One thing that frustrating Finals loss did for Cleveland was build a strong bench. Matthew Dellavedova and Tristan Thompson were thrust into starting roles and played well. Their games have improved and returning to the bench gives the Cavs plenty of firepower to match Golden State’s depth. The X-factor will be Irving. This will be just his third game back after having knee surgery and his minutes will be closely monitored. Playing 20 minutes running around the court with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will probably feel like 40. But there will be a comfort level for LeBron with all his mates back on the floor, and while he won’t have to do it all, the King will in leading the Cavs to a victory.
Cleveland 108, Golden State 105
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