Forfeiting a game is not something that the Cleveland Cavaliers would like say about tonight's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that is exactly what it would be like it they decide to give LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Tyronn Lue, the Cavs' coach could sit his top-three against Russell Westbrook and the Thunder to give them a break. James has played in every single game since December 26th, while Irving and Love have missed games recently due to injury and giving them a rest at this time in the regular season could be wise. Fans in Oklahoma may disagree, as going to a game expecting to see one of the best lines in the history of the game, on the bench, and possibly, not even at the stadium.
The last time that Lue sat the Big 3 was on December 14th against Memphis. They lost to the Grizzlies by a mere 8 points and were later criticized nationally. Tonight, the Cavs are already without starter Iman Shumpert who is out with a left ankle sprain, which means that they would have only 8 players left to face a healthy Thunder in Oklahoma City.
The last time that the Thunder met the Cavs was only eleven days ago at Quicken Loans Arena and Cleveland dominated the second quarter outscoring the Thunder 37-21, only to eventually win the game 107-91. In that game, James, Shumpert and Irving combined for 70 of those points, Love only played 12 minutes but brought in 8 rebounds. Westbrook and the Thunder did not have the best of games that night as the team leader scored 20.
NBA Betting Markets
The NBA is live at bet365 Sports tonight with in-play betting throughout the game. For bettors eager to put a wager down prior to tip-off, bet365 Sports is offering Over/Under odds with the Cavs (1.90) over 216.0 and the Thunder (1.90) on the under. Live streaming of the game is available too.