It has been a difficult start to the season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have been hit hard by injuries. Without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, they travel to Cleveland to face a Cavaliers side who have quietly made a strong start to the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Date:<\/strong> 2 November 2026, in the early hours of the 3rd according to UK time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time<\/strong>: These are the start times for the Cavaliers vs Thunder game by time zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Venue<\/strong>: Rocket Arena, Cleveland (Ohio)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doubts over Peyton Watson in Cleveland, a makeshift starting five in OKC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is difficult to pick a favourite, particularly with the Thunder suffering another injury setback every time they appear to be finding their feet. Missing three starters could prove too much for the Thunder against a Cleveland side who are unbeaten at home and aiming to secure home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cavs had an odd game the other day in Atlanta. Despite a strong opening, the Cavaliers struggled to find their rhythm whenever their starters were on the floor. There has also been some chatter over Mario Hezonja’s comments about Donovan Mitchell and his usage rate. However, those comments have had little bearing on the team’s performances on the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleveland have made a strong start, relying on solid defence when their shots aren’t falling and finding ways to create chances without depending entirely on Mitchell. James Harden can no longer dictate play for an entire game, but Evan Mobley is stepping up to take on more responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will be interesting to see how Harden takes advantage of the Thunder’s absences on the perimeter and looks to match up with Shai to tire him out and with McCain to exploit his physical advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The guard has had less impact on the game in this start, but he remains crucial for a Cavaliers side with no other orchestrator on the roster. At least not at his level. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUnited Kingdom<\/td> 00:00<\/td><\/tr> Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela<\/td> 19:00<\/td><\/tr> Mexico (central), USA (Texas and Chicago), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua<\/td> 17:00<\/td><\/tr> Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles)<\/td> 15:00<\/td><\/tr> Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay<\/td> 20:00<\/td><\/tr> Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama<\/td> 18:00<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Cavaliers vs Thunder starting fives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CAVALIERS<\/strong><\/td> THUNDER<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> James Harden<\/td> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/td><\/tr> Donovan Mitchell<\/td> Jared McCain<\/td><\/tr> Peyton Watson\/Sam Merrill<\/td> Ajay Mitchell<\/td><\/tr> Evan Mobley<\/td> Kenrich Williams<\/td><\/tr> Jarrett Allen<\/td> Isaiah Hartenstein<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Cavaliers vs Thunder: best bet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Latest Cavaliers news: injuries and form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Player to watch: James Harden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n