Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Houston Rockets gamethread

The Cleveland Cavaliers (47-28) can officially punch their tickets to the 2023 NBA Playoffs with a win over the Houston Rockets (18-56) tonight. This would be the first time since 1998 that Cleveland clinched a playoff spot without LeBron James. The Cavs enter tonight on a three-game winning streak and just 2.5 games behind the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (47-28) vs. Houston Rockets (18-56)

Where: Rocket Mortage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

When: 6 p.m. EST

TV: Bally Sports Ohio, NBA League Pass

Spread: Cleveland -14 (via Draft Kings)

Opposing Blog: The Dream Shake

Cavs’ expected starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Cavs’ injury report: Raul Neto (QUESTIONABLE - hamstring)

Rockets expected starting lineup: Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Kenyon Martin Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Aperen Sengun

Rockets injury report: Jae’Sean Tate (OUT - illness)