The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night in a matchup that could preview a first-round playoff series, even though Cleveland’s place in the standings is largely set.
Key facts
Who: Cavaliers (50-29) vs. Hawks (45-34)
Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
When: Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
Why it matters
Cleveland has three regular-season games left and is unlikely to drop in the Eastern Conference table, but Atlanta remains in a battle to stay out of the play-in tournament. Facing a potential postseason opponent gives both teams a timely assessment before the playoffs begin.
Injury report
- Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable after spraining his ankle late in Sunday’s victory over Indiana. Dean Wade and Jaylon Tyson are also questionable, and Thomas Bryant is ruled out.
- Hawks: No new injuries were reported, but the team’s push to avoid the play-in adds urgency to every remaining game.
By the numbers
Cleveland owns the NBA’s seventh-best offensive rating at 119.1 and ranks ninth in net rating at +4.3. Atlanta sits 15th offensively at 116.2 and eighth defensively with a 113.7 rating.
Last meeting
The clubs most recently faced off during NBA Cup group play, where the Hawks came away with a 130-123 win.
Projected starting lineups
Cleveland: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Atlanta: CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu
The regular season is winding down, but Wednesday’s contest offers both teams a final gauge before the postseason begins.
Source: Hoops Wire
