The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder square off for the second time in three days after the Thunder escaped Cleveland with a 117-112 victory on Monday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried Oklahoma City with 43 points in that matchup, and it's safe to assume the Cavaliers will make him the focal point of their defensive game plan this time around. With both teams having just seen each other's offensive sets, expect adjustments on both sides and far fewer easy scoring opportunities. These quick rematches often become more physical and methodical as familiarity allows each defense to anticipate actions and force opponents deeper into the shot clock.
Defense has been Oklahoma City's identity for several seasons, and despite its impressive win Monday, OKC ranks just 25th in the NBA in points per game through the opening weeks of the season. Injuries to key contributors have also forced Oklahoma City to lean even more heavily on its defense while asking Gilgeous-Alexander to shoulder the offensive load. Cleveland has the personnel to make life more difficult on him after watching him erupt for 43 points just two nights ago, and the Cavaliers should also be more disciplined on the glass after being out-rebounded in the first meeting. With both coaching staffs making defensive adjustments, neither team likely eager to play at a fast pace and a recent head-to-head already providing a blueprint, this projects as a much more controlled game than the total suggests. Expect a playoff-style atmosphere, long possessions and another defensive battle that stays below the number.
Cavaliers vs Thunder prediction: Under 227 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 226.
