Cavs vs. Rockets Preview: Rebounding Woes, Offensive Sparks, and a Big Opportunity for Allen
The Cleveland Cavaliers hit the road again tonight, taking on the Houston Rockets in an 8 PM tip-off. The Cavs will be without Max Strus and Larry Nance Jr., but otherwise, they’ll have their usual rotation ready to go. And they’ll need all hands on deck - because this matchup is tailor-made to test one of Cleveland’s longest-standing issues: rebounding.
Rebounding: The Ongoing Battle
Let’s not sugarcoat it - rebounding has been a soft spot for the Cavaliers for years. Even when the numbers haven’t looked terrible, the eye test tells the real story. Too often, the Cavs get beat on second-chance opportunities, and it’s the kind of thing that can swing a game - or a series.
Just ask Mitchell Robinson and the New York Knicks. Cleveland’s recent loss to New York saw Robinson dominate the glass again, and it’s a sore reminder of how much damage a relentless offensive rebounder can do.
Now enter the Rockets - a team that doesn’t just crash the boards, they make it a part of their identity. Houston thrives on second-chance points, and if the Cavs aren’t locked in, this could get away from them fast.
Winning the rebounding battle might be too much to ask tonight, but avoiding a complete beatdown on the glass? That could be the difference between a win and a long flight home.
Offense Finding Its Rhythm
On the brighter side, Cleveland’s offense is finally starting to click. After a sluggish start to the season, the Cavs are starting to look like themselves again - the version that gave teams headaches last year.
A big part of that resurgence? Sam Merrill’s return.
His shooting and off-ball movement have opened up the floor in a big way. But the real engine behind this offensive uptick has been Darius Garland.
He’s looked like an All-Star again - confident, in control, and aggressive. When Garland is playing at this level, the Cavaliers’ offense just flows differently.
And now, with Evan Mobley back in the mix, the ceiling gets even higher. Mobley gives Cleveland another option as a play-finisher, and his ability to create in spurts - especially with bench units - adds another layer to the offense. If he can find his rhythm quickly, this team could start resembling the contender many expected them to be.
Defense Needs to Catch Up
While the offense is trending in the right direction, the defense still has some catching up to do. There have been solid stretches, but consistency has been elusive.
Mobley’s return will help here too. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has the kind of impact that can elevate an entire unit. His timing, instincts, and ability to switch across positions give Cleveland a defensive backbone that few teams can match.
But if the Cavs are going to take a step forward tonight, they’ll need a big showing from Jarrett Allen.
Allen’s had a tough go recently, especially in high-profile matchups like the one against the Knicks. He hasn’t quite looked like himself - not the version that was once part of a dominant frontcourt duo with Mobley.
But we’ve seen what he’s capable of. When Allen is active, engaged, and controlling the paint, he changes the game on both ends.
This could be the night to get back to that.
The Bottom Line
The Rockets are going to challenge Cleveland in all the right (or wrong) ways. They’re physical, they attack the glass, and they’ll test the Cavs’ discipline on defense. But with the offense heating up and Mobley back in the fold, Cleveland has a real shot to keep building momentum.
Avoid getting crushed on the boards, keep Garland in rhythm, and get a strong two-way performance from Allen - and the Cavs might just walk out of Houston with a win that says a lot more than what shows up in the box score.