/sky247-nigeria/media/media_files/2024/12/30/9JtSQk2WlPyLdWUBT3Zg.jpg)
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA Match Preview, & Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will meet for the last time in 2024 on Tuesday at the Chase Center.
The Warriors will enter the weeknight matchup, hosting the visiting club, hoping to snap a three-game losing streak and end the regular season on a high note.
Previous Matches and Head-to-head
At Chase Center on Friday night, the Warriors got back on track with a 109-105 victory against the Suns, thanks in large part to a heroic fourth-quarter effort.
Jonathan Kuminga scored 34 points to lead the Warriors, matching his season-high from the previous game. Stephen Curry added 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting, and the Warriors' leading scorer was Jonathan Kuminga.
After dropping their last three games to the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers, and the Clippers, the Golden State Warriors really needed this win.
Despite the victory against the Suns, Steve Kerr's squad has had a terrible end to the year so far. They are 4-16 since November 24 after starting the season with 12 victories out of 15 games.
The Warriors' recent slump has dropped them to 10th place in the Western Conference, one game ahead of the Suns but still outside of the play-in qualification spots. Their record after 31 games is 16-15.
Although the Warriors are eager to win back-to-back games for the first time in more than five weeks, they'll need to play their best game against a squad that has won its past three regular-season meetings with the Warriors dating back to January 2023, when it was defeated 120-114.
On the other hand, soaring In Friday night's 149-135 victory against the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased a dominating offensive performance.
Jarrett Allen sunk the Nuggets with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double, while the Cavaliers set a new season best with 23 3-pointers. Four of the five starters for the Cavaliers scored in double figures, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way with 33.
Now that they've won at the Ball Arena, Cleveland's first-year head coach, Kenny Atkinson, has cemented his reputation as a league legend by leading the NBA in games with four players scoring 20 points or more five times this season.
Before Tuesday's game, the Cavaliers were riding a hot six-game winning run and had won ten of their last eleven games overall, dating back to their November double-header loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
With a 27-4 record after 31 games, Atkinson's squad is atop the Eastern Conference. They also rank second in the league in scoring (122.7 points per game) in field goal percentage (50.6).
Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Team News
After suffering a left calf injury on Boxing Day against the Lakers, Gary Payton is still out for the rest of the season with the Warriors. He will be evaluated next week.
Brandin Podziemski will not be able to play on Tuesday due to a lower abdominal strain, and Moses Moody will likely not be able to play either after missing last weekend's win against the Suns due to a knee ailment.
The 22-year-old Kuminga has been the Warriors' shining light as of late, averaging 27 points in their last four games. He'll be eager to continue making an impact.
When it comes to injuries, the Cavaliers are still missing Isaac Okoro. Okoro missed the last four games after hurting his shoulder during December 17's game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Even though he was nursing an injured right knee, 28-year-old Dean Wade should play at Chase Center after scoring 11 points in 26 minutes of play against the Nuggets.
Our Predictions
Cleveland Cavaliers to win @ 1.56 on Sky247.ng
The Warriors were 7-1 until their November match against Cleveland, when they lost 136-117. Since then, a lot has happened. We are betting on the Cavaliers to extend their winning streak over the Warriors to four games in a row since they are now playing at a high level.
Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.