2/01 @ MEM — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Memphis comes in 3-2 over its last five, scoring 105 a night and allowing 104, shooting 44 percent and 39 from three, 21 free throws a game; Jackson Jr. at 24 and Williams Jr. at 18 a game. Without Bane (9 straight), Kennard (2 straight), LaRavia (8 straight). 2 days' rest. Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 120 a night and allowing 111, shooting 50 percent and 39 from three, 23 free throws a game; Mitchell at 31 and Allen at 19 a game. That is 3 straight wins. Second night of a back-to-back. So: Cleveland wins, on the road, and the game turns on the turnovers, Memphis giving it away 15 times a game to Cleveland's 11 and the defense, Memphis allowing 104 a night to Cleveland's 111. Call it Cleveland 111, Memphis 110, Memphis keeping it close.

2/03 @ SAS — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. San Antonio comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 111 a night and allowing 110, shooting 48 percent and 33 from three, 20 free throws a game; Vassell at 24 and Wembanyama at 21 a game. That is 3 straight losses. It has won the glass by 6 a night. Without Johnson (2 straight). Second night of a back-to-back. Cleveland comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 116 a night and allowing 111, shooting 48 percent and 36 from three, 23 free throws a game; Mitchell at 31 and Allen at 19 a game. That is 4 straight wins. One day's rest. So: Cleveland wins, on the road, and the game turns on the glass, where San Antonio has been plus-6 a night and Cleveland plus-1 and the turnovers, San Antonio giving it away 16 times a game to Cleveland's 12. Call it Cleveland 115, San Antonio 112, San Antonio keeping it close.

2/05 vs SAC — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Cleveland comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 106, shooting 48 percent and 35 from three, 22 free throws a game; Mitchell at 32 and Allen at 20 a game. That is 5 straight wins. One day's rest. Sacramento comes in 4-1 over its last five, scoring 117 a night and allowing 112, shooting 51 percent and 34 from three, 23 free throws a game; Fox at 27 and Sabonis at 19 a game. Without Ellis (7 straight). One day's rest. So: Cleveland wins, and the game turns on the turnovers, Sacramento giving it away 15 times a game to Cleveland's 12 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 106 a night to Sacramento's 112. Call it Cleveland 116, Sacramento 112, Sacramento keeping it close.

2/07 @ WAS — I Know, the desk before tip-off Written before tip-off, from the five games each side brought in. Washington comes in 2-3 over its last five, scoring 112 a night and allowing 118, shooting 47 percent and 29 from three, 20 free throws a game; Kuzma at 22 and Kispert at 15 a game. That is 3 straight losses. Without Bagley III (2 straight). 2 days' rest. Cleveland comes in 5-0 over its last five, scoring 121 a night and allowing 108, shooting 51 percent and 38 from three, 19 free throws a game; Mitchell at 32 and Allen at 19 a game. That is 5 straight wins. One day's rest. So: Cleveland wins, on the road, and the game turns on the arc, Cleveland at 38 percent from three to Washington's 29 and the defense, Cleveland allowing 108 a night to Washington's 118. Call it Cleveland 119, Washington 112.