Clash of Clans

The Warriors vs Cavaliers sounds like a meeting you would see on a historic battlefield, or at the very least an episode of "Deadliest Warrior" a popular TV show in the early 2,000's(highly recommend).  Instead we get a clash on the hardwood, a clash that will showcase two teams that seem primed for sizeable jumps in the season standings come next season.  Spoiler alert, one of these teams seems to be consolidating assets to make a push this year, but more on that later. Cleveland currently sits at the 13 spot in the conference 9.5 games out of playoff positioning.  The Warriors are also in the 13th spot out West and 6.5 games out of playoff positioning.  Both teams have quite a few games to make up ground on the playoff race this year, but for the Warriors especially the focus seems to be on the future. 

Breaking News: Sources around the league have learned that GM Brayden has been working the phones in hopes of bringing Cleveland it's newest star.  The Cavs have been rumored to be in advanced talks with the Memphis Grizzlies with the goal being bringing KAT to Cleveland.  Our sources have been told that the deal is all but done, and with multiple first round picks being involved the Cavs are still very much able to compete this year.  The team will not have KAT's services this week, and as a result his impact will not be highlighted in the GOTW piece, but this is exciting news for fans of the NLL Cavs.

Matchups: 

Cole Anthony vs. Collin Sexton

A polarizing matchup of 2 young PG's who have made an ascension this season. Anthony is a young up and comer who was drafted with the 15 pick this offseason.  He started out getting very minimal minutes on a Detroit Pistons team that was deep at the PG spot.  Behind Ja Morant and Elfrid Payton(2 NBA starters) Anthony(also an NBA starter) was unable to find much run.  As a result he was traded to the Golden State Warriors where he is now the starter for the team.  Sexton has blown up this season in the scoring department.  He's averaging almost 26 points and almost 6 assists.  Sexton gets the nod here as he is a bit further along in his development than Anthony. 

Advantage: Sexton

Shake Milton vs KCP

A solid matchup here of two guys who play legit roles on contenders in the NBA.  Shake Milton is a very under talked about player who can both facilitate and get his own bucket.  He's not optimal on defense but he is serviceable, and IMO underrated as well.  KCP is a 2k glitch type player that is an absolute microwave on offense.  He hold his own on defense as well behind supreme athleticism.  I still have to give the nod to Shake who is a bit more potent with the ball in his hands. 

Advantage: Shake

Kuzma vs Boggy

Another set of polarizing players matched up against eachother.  Both players have shown flashes that they could someday become a top 30-50 NLL player, while both players also leave fans in attendance scratching there head on what is seemingly a nightly basis.  One players strength seems to be the others weakness, Kuzma is a bit more polished on the defensive end while Boggy leaves a lot to be desired there.  Boggy has some playmaking chops and serves as a second offensive option here for GS where as Kuzma really shouldn't have the ball in his hands often.  

Slight Advantage: Boggy

JJJ vs Bam

The matchup we have all been waiting for.  A couple of young big men with a pair of fantastic defensive skillsets who can also get their own on offense.  JJJ is finally back and healthy for the Cavs as they look to make a late season push.  There are still levels to this game though and as of now Bam is a level above JJJ.  Switchable from 1-5 Bam is a 2k nightmare, and if his offensive attributes can be increased by another uptick in the NBA we could be looking at a top 10-15 2k player here sooner rather than later. 

Advantage: Bam

Tillman vs Favors

With the trade of Mo Bamba our best guess is that Xavier Tillman will be roled out in the first unit at the center position.  Bamba will be missed but Tillman brings much of the same skillset.  A towering big man who should be fine in the boards who can also hit a 3 or two per game.  Favors on the other hand has continued his past ways in putting together another solid season.  Tillman is such an unknown it would be hard to lean that way so we will go with the always impactful Favors here. 

Advantage: Favors

Bench contributions: It's hard to tell where the Center bench minutes will come from Cleveland.  They actually do not have another roster Center after trading out Bamba, so perhaps the minutes will come from freshly acquired Trey Lyles.  Otherwise the Cavs boast a strong bench, especially from the 1-3 spots where they get contributions from Monk, Smart, Dort, and Kira Lewis Jr. The Warriors on the other hand don't get a bunch of excitement from the bench.  They have serviceable pieces in Doug McDermott, Melton, and Valentine, but no true 6th man to get buckets off the bench.  As a result! 

Advantage: Cleveland Bench