After many ups and downs in 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to do a better job in 2018 and possibly win another NBA championship. At the moment, the Cavaliers are 24-12, and while their .667 win percentage isn't too bad, it's a fact that they could have done a much better job. However, the team managed to improve after being two games under .500, so things should get much better this year.
The reigning Eastern Conference champions will open their 2018 at home against the Portland Trail Blazers. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season.
Last season, the Cavaliers and the Trail Blazers split the regular-season series, with each team winning at home. Tonight, the Cavaliers might be put at a disadvantage as Kevin Love is ill and he may be sidelined.
Cleveland in problems again
The Cavaliers have been dealing with many problems this season and most of them were injury problems. However, the situation has improved over time and some of their key players have come back. Kevin Love has missed only one game this season, but he might sit the next one out due to illness.
Kevin Love didn't attend morning shootaround and he is listed as questionable against the Trail Blazers. The Cavaliers are hoping their superstar will play as they will need to do a good job against the opposing big men.
This season, Love is averaging 20.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and the Cavaliers would definitely miss his presence.
While this game doesn't seem important, it will affect the confidence of the team. At the moment, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on a three-game losing streak and they need to win a game desperately. While their losing streak happened on the road, they are hoping to bounce back in front of the home crowd and start the new year with a victory.
Isaiah Thomas' return
Cavaliers fans will finally have a chance to see Isaiah Thomas play for their team. Thomas will come off the bench tonight and his minutes will be restricted. However, there is no doubt that the fans will be excited to finally see him make a long-awaited Cavs debut.
Even though Kevin Love might miss a game, the Cavaliers will have a huge advantage over the Trail Blazers.
Portland played in Chicago last night and they will play against the Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back. In addition, their game against the Bulls went into the overtime, but the Trail Blazers managed to win it by four points.
