Wizards-Cavs Preview: Which Surprise Team Is More Legit?

Originally posted on FortyEightMinutes
By Shyam Ramachandran | Last updated 11/10/21

Both the Cavaliers and Wizards have exceeded expectations during the first month of the NBA season and it may be time to take both seriously. Although it’s a small sample size, it’s more than enough to assess what these two squads will have in store for us this season.

The Wizards have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 7-3; the Cavaliers are not far behind them with a record of 7-4.

Wizards-Cavaliers Odds

Spread: Wizards -3
Total: Over 209.5
Moneyline: Cavs +125

Odds via PointsBet

Wizards Thriving After Offseason Trades

Washington was expected to be a work in progress following the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade this past offseason that sent Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to D.C.

While to be paying the most dividends averaging 17.7 points per contest on 63.6% shooting alongside 9.1 boards a game. It’s worth noting that the sign-and-trade that landed Spencer Dinwiddie has panned out well with the guard averaging 15.9 points a game making for a formidable backcourt alongside Bradley Beal.

The scary part about this Wizards team is that Beal isn’t quite playing up to his standards. The shooting guard is averaging 24.2 points per game shooting a mere 25.4% on 3-pointers this season. The defense is compensating for that as they defend the arc better than anyone with just 32.8% of opponent shots coming from 3, the lowest percentage in the league.

They are going to need that against a Cavaliers team that has won four straight and hoping to build on that streak Wednesday.

It’s worth noting that star point guard Collin Sexton is likely out for the foreseeable future, however, Ricky Rubio has looked nothing short of phenomenal for Cleveland recently. The journeyman guard racked up a career-high 37 points against the Knicks on Sunday, hitting 8-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. If Rubio maintains his shooting touch, Washington could see their perimeter defense tested.

Opponents are shooting just 29.2% on threes vs. Wizards and the team has protected the rim well with only 18.9% of opponents’ shots coming from inside the paint (also the lowest in the league). Simply put, the Wizards are forcing teams into mid-range shots, something which could complicate things for a Cavs team that typically starts three bigs in Jarrett Allen, rookie Evan Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen (out due to health and safety protocols; Isaac Okoro is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday night).

It’s going to be interesting to see how the Cavs adjust in this matchup, especially against a Wizards team with just as much talent and depth across the board.