There's no surprise that the Cavs have struggled this early in the season, as most "super teams" take more than just the preseason to have everything click. There is surprise that the Cavs are in the middle of a four-game losing streak where there effort has been questioned more than their play on the court.
LeBron James and Co. look to start getting things heading in the right direction, facing the Orlando Magic at the Q.
Orlando Magic
Record: 6-9, eight in the Eastern Conference
Offense: 100.6 (24th)
Defense: 104.0 (17th)
The Good
- Two years after the Dwight Howard trade, the Magic seem to be the clear-cut winners of the four teams involved with that deal. That trade let them get rid of the Dwight Howard saga, while also netting one of the top young centers in the league. Over the last two years, Nikola Vucevic has become averaged a double-double, and this year has been no different. Vucevic currently averages 19.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, which is good for second in the league. Orlando has another young front court player: forward Tobias Harris, who is averaging 18.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. These two have been the key to Orlando's surprisingly okay start.
- Their offense isn't great (or even good for that matter), but they are one of the most effective 3-point shooting teams in the league. They don't shoot a lot of 3-pointers, ranking 24th in 3-point rate, but they do make plenty of the ones they take. Led by off-season acquisitions Channing Frye and Even Fournier, their team 3-point shooting percentage of 38.8 percent is the fourth best in the league. If the Cavs give them open attempts from behind the arc, they will take advantage.
The Bad
- For as many 3-pointers as they don't take, they don't necessarily get the free throw line at a good rate. If there is one thing Cleveland does really good defensively it's not fouling a lot. I can't say if that's a good thing, but it's something to shed light on. Limiting the free attempts for Orlando will force them into taking more shots, relying on a strong defensive rebounding edge to improve the defense.
- We've seen how deadly the Cavs can be on the break. Any chance they get Kyrie Irving and LeBron James on a fast break advantage, two points should be guaranteed. However, in order for them to get out on more fast break opportunities, they need to force more turnovers. Luckily for them, Orlando struggles with turnovers, ranking 24th in turnover percentage. Both the Raptors and Wizards were able to take advantage of the Cavs sloppy offense, can Cleveland do the same to the Magic?
The Matchup to Watch
Anderson Varejao vs. Nikola Vucevic
The Cavs have been absolutely atrocious at interior defense, seemingly allowing big man after big man to hurt them in the paint. Vucevic, as I noted above, has improved himself over the last few years to be considered an elite center. He does most of his damage in the paint, and does it effectively, shooting 64.6 percent inside of five feet from the basket. Varejao will have his hands full, but has shown he is the best interior defender the Cavs have right now.
The Playlist
Florida has one and a half good rappers (Rick Ross and Ace Hood), but neither of them are from Orlando, so we're not gonna use the city-based rapper here. Instead, "Magic" will be the key in our song selection, so we turn to New York-based rapper to provide us with the Orlando playlist:
Why the Cavs will win
Look, I think LeBron and the Cavs are just as sick of hearing about everything that has gone wrong with them so far as Cavs fans are. LeBron acknowledged his poor play, and if he asserts the effort that was lacking over the previous game, we could see an entire game of the Cavs looking good, instead of just one quarter. The bench will need to provide production from more than just one person, and if they do, it will be hard for the Magic to escape the 216 with a victory.
Why the Magic will win
When facing a young team, effort will never be in question from them. The Magic have some good players to go with their youthfulness, and could cause problems for a Cavs team that loses energy and effort after the first quarter. Just like the Jazz game, the solid backcourt of Vucevic, Harris and Channing Frye could cause problems for a Cavs defense that is one of the worst in the league.
The Prediction
Cavs 110, Magic 99
LeBron hasn't lost five straight games since March 2006, and I expect that to still be the last time after tonight's game. The Cavs have too much talent to lose three straight games, let alone five straight. I expect good games from all three of the Big 3, taking it to a team they are supposed to beat.
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