Cavs vs. Rockets: Preview, odds, injury report, TV
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavs travel to Houston to face the Rockets on Saturday night in their second game of a three-game road trip.
A team that just a couple of games ago was down multiple key players will be returning two big men to their lineup.
Tristan Thompson’s 25-game suspension for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033 has ended, and he will be on the bench with the Cavs in Houston. Thompson also recently turned 33 years old.
Dean Wade, who was away from the team for personal reasons, was back with the Cavs on Friday during their practice at Rice University. Donovan Mitchell, who also returned to the court in Wednesday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans, congratulated Wade on his Instagram live feed after practice Friday for becoming a father.
Now, the Cavs, with their interior tough guy and second-best perimeter defender back on the floor, gear up for a contest against the Dillon Brooks-led Rockets.
There’s history between Brooks and Mitchell after an altercation last February when Brooks, then on the Grizzlies, struck Mitchell in the groin.
Without Alperen Şengün, the Cavs will look to enforce their presence in the paint with Jarrett Allen while getting Thompson reacclimated.
As the Cavs have done for a majority of the season, they’ll work inside out, using Allen as an offensive hub and more than likely giving Mitchell the green light to go at Brooks off the dribble if the opportunity presents itself.
21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (42-24) vs. Houston Rockets (31-35).
Series: Second and final meeting this regular season.
Where: Toyota Center (Houston).
When: 5:00 p.m. EDT.
The point spread: Cavs minus-6.5; O/U 216.5
TV: Bally Sports Ohio
Injury report
Cavs: Evan Mobley (ankle), OUT; Max Strus (knee), OUT; Ty Jerome (right ankle surgery), OUT.
Rockets: Cam Whitmore (knee), OUT; Alperen Şengün (ankle), OUT; Tari Eason (tibia), OUT.
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