Cavaliers Face Mavericks After Flight Disruption

The Cavaliers’ return to Cleveland was disrupted by a communications problem that grounded flights across the United States on November 13. After losing 133-121 to Miami, the team could not take its planned flight home. It began flying back at 9 a.m. on November 14 and was expected to land at noon, only hours before the scheduled home game against Dallas. Some players called for the game to be canceled, but it remained on the schedule.

The teams entered the matchup with records near .500. Dallas stood at 7-5, with Cooper Flagg averaging just under 25 points per game while making half his shots. Kyrie Irving, back from a season-long injury, was averaging 21 points and shooting close to 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.

The preview identified rebounding, particularly on offense, as a potential Dallas advantage. It described the teams as closely matched in major statistical categories and suggested Cleveland could rely on Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson to defend Flagg.

The game was also part of Cleveland’s celebration of its 2016 NBA championship, with Irving returning to the city. The listed odds favored Cleveland by 1.5 points, with an over-under of 231.5. The preview predicted a 119-115 Cavaliers win and suggested a bet on Thomas to make at least four three-pointers.