What To Expect In Final Cleveland Cavaliers-Houston Rockets Matchup
Three nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned their 42nd win of the season in a 116-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Today, the Wine and Gold look for their second consecutive win to begin their three-game road trip when they face the Houston Rockets.
Here are four things to expect in the second and final matchup between these two teams this regular season.
1. A Long-Awaited Cleveland Return
After serving a 25-game suspension without pay, Cavaliers veteran big man Tristan Thompson will return tonight. He has not played in a game since January 22.
The 33-year-old is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench in 36 contests this season. Thompson tallied four points, five rebounds, and one assist off the bench in Cleveland’s win over Houston on December 18.
Dec 21, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (12) rebounds in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
2. Cavaliers In a Rhythm from Deep
This past Wednesday night, the Wine and Gold shot an impressive 20-for-45 (44.4%) from three-point range in their win over New Orleans. This was their ninth game with at least 20 three-pointers made this season.
In their only game against the Rockets this season, the Cavaliers shot 19-for-48 (39.6%) from beyond the arc.
3. A Strong VanVleet Performance
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet had one of his best performances of the season against the Cavaliers back on December 18. The 30-year-old had 27 points, a season-high 17 assists, two steals, one block, and tied a season-high with eight rebounds.
VanVleet’s average of 8.0 assists per game so far this season ranks ninth in the NBA.
4. Rockets Attacking the Offensive Glass
Entering today’s game, Houston’s average of 11.3 offensive rebounds per game ranks seventh in the NBA.
The Rockets grabbed 15 offensive rebounds in their lone previous meeting against Cleveland this season.
