Cavaliers vs Thunder: NBA gears for history as East meets West

The NBA is gearing up for a matchup that will rewrite the history books. When the Cleveland Cavaliers face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, it’s not just a game, it’s a collision of two of the most dominant teams the league has seen in recent years. Both the Cavaliers (31-4) and Thunder (30-5) are not just leading their respective conferences, they are dominating the league.

Why Cavaliers vs Thunder matchup is special?

This isn’t just any regular season inter-conference game. For the first time in NBA history, two teams with a combined 15-game and 10-game winning streak, respectively, will meet on the same court. The Thunder come into this game on an impressive 15-game win streak, while the Cavaliers have been just as hot with a 10-game streak of their own.

This will also mark the first-ever inter-conference game between teams with a winning percentage of .850 or higher this deep into the season, a statistic that showcases just how dominant both teams have been.

In fact, this is the second time in NBA history that multiple teams have won at least 30 of their first 35 games in the same season. The only other time that happened was back in the 1971-72 season when the Lakers and Bucks set the standard. Now, the Thunder and Cavaliers are setting their own.

This is also the first time since the 2019-20 season that two teams have had a winning streak of at least 15 games in the same season. Back then, it was the Bucks and Raptors who checked this feat.

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Cavaliers vs. Thunder Game Details

• When: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
• TV: ESPN
• Live stream: NBA League Pass & FUBO TV

Cavaliers vs. Thunder Team News

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Isaac Okoro will be unavailable for Thursday’s game due to a sprained shoulder.

Sam Merrill is also doubtful after suffering an ankle injury against the Lakers on New Year’s Day.

Luke Travers, who hasn’t played since mid-December due to an ankle issue from G-League action, will also be on the sidelines.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chet Holmgren will remain out due to a right hip injury.

Alex Caruso and Alex Ducas are also sidelined with hip and back injuries, while Adam Flagler is dealing with a metacarpal fracture.

Ajay Mitchell could return after missing the Celtics game due to a sprained toe.

Cleveland Cavaliers probable starting lineup

Garland, Mitchell; Wade, Mobley; Allen

Oklahoma City Thunder probable starting lineup

Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort; Wallace, Williams; Hartenstein