What To Expect In Second Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic Matchup

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won five of their last six games, and nine of their last 12.

In their last outing, they began a four-game road trip by defeating the Miami Heat by a score of 111-99 in a comeback victory.

Two games ago, the Cavaliers earned a wire-to-wire home victory over the Orlando Magic by a score of 121-111.

Tonight, Cleveland will face Orlando for the second time in five days, this time on the road. Here are four things to expect in their second matchup of the season.

1. No Mobley Again

After starting in the Cavaliers’ first 20 games, Evan Mobley will be missing his second consecutive contest tonight due to left knee soreness.

With this absence, the Wine and Gold will likely need solid bench contributions from players like Georges Niang and Tristan Thompson in his place to come away with their fourth consecutive victory.

2. Tough Cleveland Interior Defense

The Cavaliers allowed 68 points in the paint in their last meeting against the Magic.

This mark greatly improved in the Wine and Gold’s following game, as they allowed just 42 points in the paint against the Heat.

3. More Threes For The Magic

Five days ago, Orlando shot just 2-for-23 (8.7%) from three-point range, Cleveland’s lowest opponent three-point percentage in a game in nearly nine years.

While the Magic rank bottom-five in the NBA in three-pointers made (10.2, tied for 28th), three-pointers attempted (29.5, last), and three-point percentage (34.6%, 25th), they will likely make more than two three-pointers tonight.

4. A Very Tough Environment

Orlando is tied for the second-best home record in the Eastern Conference at 10-2, and have won their last eight games at Amway Center.

Their two home losses so far this season came in consecutive games on November 6 and 9.