Thunder and Cavaliers Set for MLK Day Showdown in Cleveland
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue their four-game road trip with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This game marks the first meeting between these teams this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on January 19 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Team Standings and Recent Form
The Thunder currently hold the best record in the entire NBA at 35-8. They lead the Western Conference despite suffering a narrow 122-120 loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday. That defeat snapped a five-game winning streak for Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points in that game, but the team could not convert key shots in the final minutes.
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-19 record. They have won three of their last four games, including a thrilling 117-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Rookie Jaylon Tyson exploded for a career-high 39 points in that win, while Evan Mobley sealed the game with a decisive slam dunk.
Where to Watch the Game
Fans can catch the action on several platforms. NBC, Peacock, and FanDuel Sports OK will broadcast the game live on television. For online viewers, streaming options include Fubo and Prime Video.
Expected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers
- PG: Craig Porter Jr.
- SG: Donovan Mitchell
- SF: Jaylon Tyson
- PF: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Oklahoma City Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Luguentz Dort
- SF: Alex Caruso
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Jaylin Williams
Injury Report for Both Teams
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dean Wade - Out (Knee)
- Sam Merrill - Out (Hand)
- Darius Garland - Out (Re-evaluation in 7-10 days for Grade 1 right big toe sprain)
- Max Strus - Out (Foot)
- Chris Livingston - Out (Two-way contract)
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen Williams - Out (Ruled out for Monday's game)
- Isaiah Hartenstein - Out (Calf)
- Nikola Topic - Out (Diagnosed with testicular cancer)
- Thomas Sorber - Out (Torn ACL in right knee)
Game Prediction and Context
This contest presents a compelling clash. A year ago, both teams were competing for the league's top record when they met twice in a short span. Those games were must-watch events.
Now, the Thunder aim to bounce back from their recent loss and reassert their dominance on the road. The Cavaliers, riding positive momentum, look to defend their home court and improve their playoff positioning.
The absence of key players like Darius Garland for Cleveland and Jalen Williams for Oklahoma City will test both teams' depth. All eyes will be on star performers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell to lead their respective squads.
