The NBA wraps up 2024 with a highly anticipated matchup between the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. This game will be the last of the calendar year and promises to be an exciting contest.
The Cavaliers come into this New Year’s Eve game on the second leg of a back-to-back set and the third game of a four-game Western Conference road swing. They recently dominated the Golden State Warriors with a 113-95 victory on Monday in San Francisco, holding the Warriors to just 33% shooting from the floor. This win marked the third time this season that Cleveland held its opponent to fewer than 100 points, with another impressive performance coming in a 126-99 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers on December 21. The Cavaliers are currently on a seven-game winning streak and have won 11 of their last 12 games, marking their best start in franchise history.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have won five of their last six games following a 132-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves registered 26 points and a career-high 16 assists in LeBron James’ absence due to illness. Davis is currently listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game due to a sprained left ankle, and James is also questionable as he continues to recover from his illness.
Rookie Dalton Knecht has been a bright spot for the Lakers, adding 18 points in his second consecutive double-figure scoring performance. Knecht had a standout stretch in November with consecutive games of 37 and 27 points but experienced a dip in December, averaging only 4.3 points per game over a six-game stretch.
The Lakers recently made a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Finney-Smith has averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season, while Milton has averaged 7.4 points per game primarily coming off the bench. If available, these newcomers could provide depth for the Lakers against a Cleveland team that has thrived with depth and balance.
The Cavaliers are led by Donovan Mitchell, who averages 23.6 points per game, and Darius Garland, who averages 20.7 points per game. Six Cavaliers are averaging in double figures, showcasing their offensive depth and balance.
This game will be the first meeting of the season between the Cavaliers and Lakers. Cleveland won the first matchup 134-110 on October 30 in Cleveland. The Cavaliers will be looking to extend their winning streak and continue their impressive start to the season, while the Lakers will aim to defend their home court and build on their recent success.
In summary, this game features two teams in excellent form, with the Cavaliers looking to maintain their dominant run and the Lakers aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and recent roster additions. It should be a thrilling contest to close out 2024.
