Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Dallas Mavericks gamethread

The Cavs, despite a strong defensive roster, have been alright on that end of the floor this year. Some of the success feels like it’s fleeting — just look at how much Cleveland struggled against the Bucks — but this group doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a historically bad group like last year.

Tonight’s game feels like a test. Luka Doncic is incredible and the Cavs don’t really have anyone who can match up with him directly. Cedi Osman is likely to get the first crack at it, but who else does besides him? Larry Nance Jr. seems like the second option.

And then there’s Kristaps Porzingis. He’s not shooting at the level he was pre-ACL tear, but he’s a super talented seven-footer whom the Cavs have to have a strategy for. Tristan Thompson is clearly the best option, but what if he gets in foul trouble? John Henson would be a helpful in a game like this.