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Overview:

On Thursday, February 22^nd, the (33-24) Washington Wizards will be on the road to take on the (34-22) Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Cavaliers 104.2 – Wizards 96.5 with an over/under of 200.7.

Statistics (2017-18 season):

Point differential: Wizards +1.9 (9^th) > Cavaliers +0.2 (15^th)

Points per game: Cavaliers 110.2 (5^th) > Wizards 107.4 (10^th)

Points allowed per game: Wizards 105.5 (13^th) > Cavaliers 110.0 (27^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Cavaliers 47.5% (6^th) > Wizards 46.7 (8^th)

Three Point Percentage: Cavaliers 37.0% (7^th) > Wizards 36.9% (9^th)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Wizards 45.7% (11^th) > Cavaliers 47.5% (27^th)

Turnovers committed per game: Cavaliers 13.8 (16^th) = Wizards 13.8 (16^th)

Turnovers forced per game: Wizards 14.7 (4^th) > Cavaliers 13.0 (25^th)

Rebounds per game: Wizards 42.9 (18^th) > Cavaliers 41.7 (23^rd)

Assists per game: Wizards 24.3 (5^th) > Cavaliers 23.6 (7^th)

Summary:

Cleveland is (2-0) since they acquired Rodney Hood, George Hill, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson at the trade deadline.  Those two wins were especially impressive coming on the road against two playoff teams in Boston and Oklahoma City.  The Cavaliers have been one of the worst defensive teams all season but that should change with their newfound youth and athleticism.  Lebron James (26.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 8.9 APG) looks to be rejuvenated with the new personnel around him.  J.R. Smith has elevated his play recently scoring double digit points in five of his last six games.  Cleveland will be without all-star forward Kevin Love (17.9 PPG and 9.4 RPG) who was enjoying his most efficient season with the Cavaliers prior to suffering a broken hand.  The Cavaliers average 110.2 points per game (5^th) while allowing 110.0 (27^th).

Washington has played well of late going (7-3) in their last ten games.  The Wizards will again be without their all-star point guard John Wall (19.4 PPG and 9.3 APG) who remains sidelined with a knee injury.  Bradley Beal is having a career season (23.6 PPG and 4.2 APG) and is arguably the best two guard in the Eastern Conference.  Washington is very efficient shooting the basketball and creating unselfish high percentage looks.  The Wizards lack size outside of Marcin Gortat and someone who can score on the block.  Washington has one of the better starting units in the league but their bench ranks 18^th in scoring (34.8).  The Wizards average 107.4 points per game (10^th) and allow 105.5 (13^th).

Bottom Line:

Cleveland’s new look roster looks ready to reclaim their status as the juggernaut of the Eastern Conference.  The Cavaliers are (7-3) in their last ten head to head games with the Wizards.  Cleveland is (20-7) at home this season while Washington is (16-14) on the road.  Without John Wall it’s hard to see the Wizards being able to keep pace with the high scoring Cavaliers.  It’s pretty clear that Washington has nobody who can guard Lebron James as he dropped 57 points on them earlier in the season.  I like Cleveland to send another statement with a blowout victory at home.

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