NBA 2018-19: Cleveland Cavaliers' predicted starting lineup against Los Angeles Lakers
The losing streak continues. On Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their 12th straight game. They lost to Houston Rockets 141-113. James Harden had another triple-double with 43 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Harden also did not play in the 4th quarter. He played a total of 29 minutes in this game. Harden became the first player in NBA history to have a 40-point triple-double in less than 30 minutes played. So, Harden arguably had a historic night in the Rockets' big victory.
The 28-point loss was one of many Cavalier losses. The Cavaliers have a record of 8-35. Their losing streak continues to grow. This loss against the Rockets was expected but perhaps not this bad. In November, the Cavs beat the Rockets 117-108. The Rockets redeemed themselves after their loss to the Cavaliers.
The Rockets are one of six Western Conference teams the Cavs play in their next few games. The Cavs are on a six-game Western Conference road trip. The trip began with the Pelicans and ends with the Denver Nuggets. Their next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers.
This game takes place later today. On Friday, the Lakers lost to the Utah Jazz. The Lakers played this game without LeBron James. James is expected to miss a few more games. He'll miss today's game against the Cavaliers and Tuesday's game against the Bulls.
James is getting re-evaluated on Wednesday, but until then, the Lakers are without him. The Cavs could take advantage of this and end their losing streak. Or, they could lose their 13th straight game.
The Cavaliers are plagued with injuries and they recently lost another key player. On January 8th, Larry Nance Jr. suffered an injury in the first quarter. An MRI revealed that he suffered a sprained MCL. Nance will miss the 2-4 weeks due to his injury.
Nance was one of the Cavs' starters in their recent games. Now, the Cavs have to make another lineup change. Rodney Hood also returned in their last game. His return changed their lineup once again. The Cavs could keep their lineup from the Houston game or, they might make yet another change.
Predicted starting line-ups
Cavaliers: Collin Sexton (PG), Alec Burks (SG), Rodney Hood (SF), Cedi Osman (PF), and Tristan Thompson (C)
Lakers: Lonzo Ball (PG), Josh Hart (SG), Brandon Ingram (SF), Kyle Kuzma (PF), and JaVale McGee (C)