Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Prediction | Nov. 8, 2024

It isn't Steph Curry vs LeBron James when the Golden State Warriors head to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday (Nov. 8). There was a time in the NBA when the stars collided and the matchups between these two sides were absolute popcorn material. The games were nothing short of storied, and the rivalry between two Akron kids was at its hilt. Curry had the last laugh winning three of the four NBA Finals he played against James and Cleveland.

Roll to the present, James is now with the Lakers attempting to win what would be his fifth title in his career, and his second as part of the Purple and Gold. The Cavaliers' post-LeBron era now has a new face in Donovan Mitchell. They have been playoff contenders ever since he arrived, and now in what comes as a decisive season for the mercurial guard, Mitchell has a chance to deliver a title for the franchise that last won in 2016.

As for the Warriors, they still have Curry in their ranks. They have had two roller-coaster, drama-riddled seasons after winning the NBA championship in 2022. Their summer has been equally dramatic, losing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks effectively ending the 'Big 3' who once built a dynasty.

Come Friday, Golden State will look to end the Cavaliers' sizzling 9-0 run when both teams meet for the first time this season. The Cavaliers come off a 131-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Warriors notched up a 118-112 win over defending champions Boston Celtics. Golden State has lost just one game so far against the LA Clippers, but has stacked up a five-game winning streak since.

Cleveland's offense has been potent. They are shooting a league-best 52.6% from the field and right now, they are in that "ridiculously good" spot. They have been playing like title contenders so far this season. They have a formidable starting lineup, a reliable bench unit, and an astute tactician in new head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Atkinson also holds the advantage as he knows a thing or two about the Warriors. He was part of their coaching staff and won a championship with the team in 2022. He was one of the major moves from the coaching department this summer and less than 10 games into the season, his Cavaliers are the only unbeaten side so far.

There were questions over the Warriors' setup after Thompson departed this offseason. They added new names in Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De'Anthony Melton. They relegated Jonathan Kuminga to a bench role in recent games, and their new-look starting five has resulted in vintage Steve Kerr wins as they have once more banked on a small-ball team that's pacy and has consistent tempo. They are also one of the best defensive sides this season quashing all notions that they are a midfield team.

To date, the Cavaliers had the New York Knicks pegged as their toughest contenders in their first 10 games, but that changes now. The Golden State Warriors are more than stern for the Cavs whose equally good offense and stifling defense will be put to test.

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Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers clash tips off at 7:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on NBCS-BA and FDSOH. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing.

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
Golden State Warriors	+4.5	o231.5 (-108)	+150
Cleveland Cavaliers	-4.5	u231.5 (-110)	-182

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off

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Golden State Cavaliers vs Cleveland Cavaliers preview

The Cavs are an offensive powerhouse. At the time of writing, they lead the pack in effective FG% (60.9) and are second in 3-point percentage (42). Their corners 3s are lethal and their pace helps them generate better looks and force their opponents to adjust. As for the Warriors, matching their opponents' pace shouldn't be an issue, but the question of matching their shot-to-shot remains.

The Golden State Warriors will be glad to have Steph Curry back in the fold after the 4x NBA champion missed a few games due to an ankle injury. He showed no signs of rust against the Celtics, propping up 27 points on 8-17 shooting from the field and 4-9 from downtown. In Hield, Kuminga, and Andrew Wiggins, he has enough support on offense, while Draymond Green will be their defensive hub as he continues to show his versatility as one of the best power forwards in the business.

Cleveland's perimeter defense is their weak link. They are dead-bottom in opponent 3-point percentage and that might be an issue given Curry and Hield's prowess as proven sharpshooters. In the same vein, Golden State's 18th-placed opponent mid-range is a worry factor, and the likes of Mitchell and Garland can take advantage.

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Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers predicted starting lineups

The Warriors will likely stick to the same lineup that played Boston with Curry's return to the fold.

Position	Player
PG	Steph Curry
SG	Moses Moody
SF	Andrew Wiggins
PF	Draymond Green
C	Trayce Jackson-Davis

Golden State Warriors Injury Report (Nov. 8): Brandin Podziemski (illness) and Draymond Green (knee) are questionable. DeAnthony Melton (back) has been ruled out.

The Cavaliers will most definitely stick to the same winning combination.

Position	Player
PG	Darius Garland
SG	Donovan Mitchell
SF	Isaac Okoro
PF	Evan Mobley
C	Jarrett Allen

Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report (Nov. 8): Dean Wade (illness) and Jaylon Tyson (hip) are questionable. Max Strus (ankle) and Emoni Bates (knee) are out.

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Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting tips

Darius Garland is a player to watch out for with a -110 under on points. Donovan Mitchell is -104 under on points, and Steph Curry is -122 over on points. Jarrett Allen is -120 over total points, rebounds, and assists.

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Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have momentum on their side, and it will be the clash of two blitzkrieg offensive sides on Friday. Cleveland has been more clinical on that front as opposed to the Warriors who may struggle if Curry or Hield have an off night. Take the Cavs to win at home as a way of payback for losing 0-2 to Golden State last season.