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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Houston Rockets: A Pre-Season Showdown

Get ready for some electrifying pre-season NBA action as the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Houston Rockets on November 20th, 2025, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH! This match-up promises to be a thrilling contest, even before the regular season tips off. Looking for NBA streams? Check out our comprehensive guide: /nba-streams

A Look at the Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this pre-season game with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. While they boast a strong core, injuries have cast a shadow over their preparations. The absence of key players significantly impacts their potential performance. Let's break down the situation:

• Darius Garland: The Cavaliers' star point guard is currently listed as "Out" due to surgery on his left toe. His return date is set for November 1st, making his participation in this game unlikely. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on the court.
• Lonzo Ball: The talented point guard is listed as Day-to-Day with a right wrist sprain. His availability remains questionable, adding to the Cavaliers' backcourt uncertainty.
• Sam Merrill: Another guard battling injury, Merrill is Day-to-Day with a head/neck strain. This further depletes the Cavaliers' depth at the guard positions.
• Craig Porter Jr.: Porter Jr. is also listed as Day-to-Day, with a hamstring injury in his left leg. His status for the game will hinge on his recovery progress in the lead-up to the game.

The Cavaliers' recent form isn't particularly encouraging. Their last five games against the Indiana Pacers show a pattern of inconsistency:

• vs Indiana Pacers - L 121-112
• vs Indiana Pacers - L 120-119
• @ Indiana Pacers - W 126-104
• @ Indiana Pacers - L 129-109
• vs Indiana Pacers - L 114-105

Despite the injury concerns and recent losses, the Cavaliers still possess significant talent. The performance of players like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will be crucial in determining their success against the Rockets. How the team adapts to the absence of Garland and the uncertain status of other players will be a key storyline to watch.

Analyzing the Rockets

The Houston Rockets also face their own pre-season challenges, primarily stemming from injuries impacting their key players.

• Kevin Durant: The superstar forward is listed as Day-to-Day with a left ankle sprain. His participation is uncertain, significantly affecting the Rockets' offensive firepower.
• Dorian Finney-Smith: Finney-Smith's status is also listed as Day-to-Day due to ankle surgery. His presence on the court would bolster their defensive capabilities.
• Reed Sheppard: Sheppard is Day-to-Day for the Rockets due to "rest", indicating a potential load management strategy for the young player.

The Rockets’ recent record against the Golden State Warriors in their last five games shows a similar picture of inconsistency to the Cavaliers:

• @ Golden State Warriors - L 104-93
• @ Golden State Warriors - L 109-106
• vs Golden State Warriors - W 131-116
• @ Golden State Warriors - W 115-107
• vs Golden State Warriors - L 103-89

The absence or limited minutes of Durant and Finney-Smith could significantly impact the Rockets' ability to compete. The spotlight will be on players like Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün to step up and carry the offensive load. The Rockets will need to rely on their younger players to demonstrate their growth and potential in this pre-season contest.

Key Matchup: The Battle in the Paint

With the potential absence of key players, the battle in the paint could be a pivotal aspect of this game. Both teams have strong centers, but the question marks surrounding Jarrett Allen's supporting cast will determine the success of the Cavaliers' interior game. Conversely, the Rockets' interior play will hinge on the health and performance of their frontcourt, and how their younger players fill the gaps.

Where to Watch: Your Guide to NBA Streams

Finding reliable NBA streams can be tricky. But don't worry; we've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide to NBA streams at /nba-streams provides you with safe and legal options for watching the Cavaliers and Rockets face off. We detail various platforms, highlighting their pros and cons to ensure you get the best viewing experience. Remember always to prioritize legal streaming services to support the league and its players.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

Predicting this pre-season game accurately is challenging due to the injury uncertainties for both teams. The absence of Darius Garland will significantly impact the Cavaliers' offensive flow, potentially giving the Rockets an edge. However, the Rockets' own injury concerns create a balance. If Durant and Finney-Smith are limited, the Cavaliers may take the edge. This game is less about predicting a winner and more about observing the players' individual performances and how the teams adapt to the absence of some star players. This pre-season matchup offers a crucial opportunity to gauge the teams' progress and get a glimpse of their potential for the regular season.

Remember to check our guide for NBA streams before game time! /nba-streams Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Who do you think will come out on top in this intriguing pre-season encounter? Are there any specific players you're excited to watch? Let the discussion begin!