Cavs vs. Thunder: preview, odds, injury report, TV

The Cavs, under head coach Kenny Atkinson, have produced the league’s most dynamic offense with an offensive rating of 121.5.

Their success lies in their balanced attack.

While stars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley often lead the way, Cleveland has relied on its depth to maintain its dominance. Players like Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome and Georges Niang have consistently provided sparks off the bench, giving the Cavs the versatility to adjust on the fly.

But their offensive renaissance will be put to its toughest test yet against Oklahoma City’s defense, which has stifled opponents all season.

The Thunder boast the league’s best defensive rating (101.5) and an uncanny ability to close space. The Thunder’s defense has been the foundation of their success.

Still, they wouldn’t be where they are without the offensive production of their MVP candidate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.3 points per game. game and ranks second in effective field goal percentage (57.5%) among players with at least 33% usage. He has a knack for making the right play – even when the defense is on him – and that intangible has lifted Oklahoma City into the air. Jalen Williams, a candidate for Most Improved Player, has also proven to be a crucial piece, blending offensive versatility with elite perimeter defense. Among the Thunder’s active rotation players who log over 25 minutes per game, only Gilgeous-Alexander (32.4) and Williams (26.8) maintain a usage rate above 20%.

While Cleveland has embraced its offensive firepower, the team remains anchored by its defensive roots, with Wednesday’s game plan focused on disrupting Gilgeous-Alexander’s rhythm.

The potential return of Isaac Okoro, who has been sidelined for over two weeks with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, could be crucial. Known for his physicality and ability to navigate screens, Okoro is Cleveland’s best option to contain a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber.

Even if Okoro returns, Atkinson and his staff will use a mix of defensive looks against the Thunder guard. Dean Wade and LeVert are also in the mix, as both have shown an ability to disrupt some of the league’s best ball handlers this season.

Over their last 15 games, the Cavaliers have the second-best defensive rating (106.9) in the league, trailing only the Thunder. Jarrett Allen’s rim protection and Mobley’s switchability have given Cleveland the ability to disrupt opposing offenses. That defensive prowess will be tested by a Thunder team that thrives on movement, spacing and relentless energy.

This matchup is more than a battle of styles — it’s a moment of recognition for two small-market teams that have forced themselves into the national conversation.

The Thunder and Cavaliers prove that elite talent and smart organizational structure can flourish outside of the usual NBA power hubs.

For Cleveland, a win would further confirm their rise as an offensive powerhouse. For Oklahoma City, it’s a chance to show they can shut down anyone, anywhere.

This is just the first of two meetings between these teams this season. They meet again on January 16, but for now all eyes are on Wednesday night.

It’s a game that feels bigger than the standings — a potential NBA Finals preview that features two of the league’s most exciting teams.

Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:

WHO: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Series: First of two games in the regular season.

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

When: 7 p.m. ET.

The point spread: Cavs minus-2.5; O/U 229.5

TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Damage report

CAVS:

Out:

Emoni Bates (two-way); Luke Travers (two-way); JT Thor (two-way).

Questionable:

Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Sam Merrill (ankle).

THUNDER:

Out:

Alex Caruso (hip); Chet Holmgren (iliac fracture); Ajay Mitchell (toe); Nikola Topic (knee).