Cavs aim to end losing streak against Suns

The Cleveland Cavaliers will face off against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, hoping to end a three-game losing streak. Despite having the best record in the Eastern Conference at 56-13, the Cavs have struggled during March, ranking low in both offense and defense. The Suns, currently at 33-37, are in a tight race for the 10th seed in the Western Conference. Every game is crucial for them as they aim to stay in contention for the Play-In tournament. The game will start at 10 p.m. Eastern at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. A key matchup to watch is between the Cavs’ Evan Mobley and the Suns’ Kevin Durant. Mobley has shown significant improvement in his scoring ability this season, which adds to his strong defense. Durant, although a scoring legend, isn’t as dominant defensively but is still a challenge due to his height and skills. Cleveland may focus on getting Mobley favorable matchups against Durant to exploit any weaknesses. The Suns will be missing Mason Plumlee, which is a blow to their rebounding strength. Cleveland has struggled with rebounding recently, especially in previous losses to the Clippers and Kings. Coach Kenny Atkinson will likely focus on solidifying the inside game with Mobley and Jarrett Allen to ensure they secure rebounds. Atkinson is also using these last games of the regular season to experiment with player rotations. The team now has a stronger group of wing players to choose from. He will need to find the right mix of shooting and defense as the playoffs approach. Key questions include whether players like Sam Merrill and De’Andre Hunter can prove their value in upcoming games. Cleveland must address their recent inefficiencies to get back on track. A strong game in Phoenix could help set a positive tone for their playoff push. The outcome will depend on Mobley’s performance against Durant, the defensive efforts from the wings, and their ability to control rebounds.