Basketball Preview for December 31-2024
The Cavaliers look to extend their three-game road winning streak when they host Los Angeles Lakers for New Year's Eve action. Cleveland is favored by four points in this matchup and an over/under of 228.5 is set.
The Lakers now have the chance to show just how far they have come since meeting the Cavs back in October, having made several lineup changes and adding two depth players in Max Christie and Rui Hachimura to their frontcourt. It remains to be seen, though, if this group will be able to match LeBron James and company on an offensive level.
The Los Angeles Lakers defense has been an impressive feat this season. They're holding off opponents when it comes to second-chance points and points off turnovers while ranking 13th in 3-point shooting defense against. Dorian Finney-Smith from their trade with Brooklyn adds toughness and catch-and-shoot capabilities that should help limit Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen; point guard Brandon Ingram is also proving effective as an open court playmaker with 8.5 assists per game this year.
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