Houston Rockets vs Cleveland-cavaliers Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Rockets Look to Rebound Against Red-Hot Cavaliers

The Houston Rockets will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Despite their recent strong form, Houston struggled against Detroit’s aggressive defense on Monday, while Cleveland dominated Phoenix even without key players.

Jalen Green Adjusting to Defensive Focus

Jalen Green was named Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday, but the Detroit Pistons made sure to slow him down later that night.

• 19 points on 8-for-21 shooting
• 5 turnovers in a 107-96 loss

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This performance came after an incredible scoring stretch, where Green:

• Averaged 32.5 PPG on 60.6% shooting
• Made 25 of 26 free throws
• Became just the second player ever (after Damian Lillard) with five straight games of 25+ points, 4+ threes, and 50%+ FG & 3PT

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka acknowledged that opponents will now scheme to slow Green down.

“That was part of their scheme, to slow him down due to how he’s been playing and the hot streak he’s been on,” Udoka said. “You have to expect that. Teams went after him to start the season and did it again (Monday). We have to be strong in the blitz, have to get to our spacing, our outlet has got to be there, and then attack from there.”

Despite the loss, Houston has won six of their last eight games and will look to regain their offensive rhythm against Cleveland.

Cavaliers Thriving Despite Injuries

The Cavaliers (30-16) are proving their depth and resilience, having won eight of their last nine games, including a 118-92 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Key Absences: No Problem for Cleveland

• Evan Mobley (calf) and Caris LeVert (wrist) are still out
• Cavs still dominated Phoenix, thanks to elite defense and rebounding

Keys to Cleveland’s Success

• Forced 17 turnovers vs. Suns
• Grabbed 15 offensive rebounds
• Outshot Phoenix by 18 attempts

Head coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the importance of winning the possession battle, especially in playoff-caliber matchups.

“We’ve been preaching the possession game lately,” Atkinson said. “With our ability to shoot the ball, if we can get more shots than the other team, that’s huge. When we play these elite teams, if they get seven or nine more shots than you, you’re in trouble.”

Donovan Mitchell Leading the Charge

• 33 points vs. Phoenix
• Leads the Cavs with 23.3 PPG
• One of the NBA’s top closers in crunch time

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Can Houston Handle Cleveland’s Physicality?

While Jalen Green looks to regain his offensive rhythm, the Rockets must improve against aggressive defenses, something Cleveland does exceptionally well.

• Will Houston adjust to teams blitzing Green?
• Can the Rockets win the rebounding battle against a physical Cavs team?
• Will Donovan Mitchell continue his dominant stretch?

With both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning, this matchup in Houston should be a battle of pace, physicality, and shot creation.