NEW ORLEANS – The undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers are on the precipice of history as they face the New Orleans Pelicans today – Wednesday, Nov. 6 – at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The NBA matchup is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.
This game will be broadcast live on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (formerly Bally Sports Ohio) with tipoff at 8 p.m. Eastern. (7 p.m. Central). Fans who have parted ways with their cable provider can catch the game at no cost by taking advantage of streaming alternatives like DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial. FuboTV is also offering a free trial and $20 off your first month.
The Cavs (8-0) tied the 1976-77 team for the best start in franchise history with their latest victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 4. They can etch their name exclusively in Cavaliers lore with a win tonight.
What began as a hot start under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, has blossomed into a nightly effort of hustle, grit and a physicality not seen in previous years. A runaway freight train. An unselfish basketball powerhouse who is rewriting the narrative.
There are some familiar trends, and some major overhauls, that have gone into the blistering start. On offense, the Cavs are among the top of the standings in multiple categories. They are averaging 122.3 points per game (second in the NBA) while shooting 52.3% from the field (first in the NBA), including 41.3% from beyond the arc (second in the NBA). Cleveland hits 73% of their free throws.
Their defense, which is traditionally firm, is allowing 109.3 points per game on 45.3% shooting. They allow 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Cleveland’s opponents are giving up 17.1 turnovers per game.
Cleveland’s lone weakness has been one of its strengths in recent years. The Cavs are averaging just 41.6 rebounds per game.
Donovan Mitchell spearheads the NBA’s hottest team with 23.1 points, 4.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 48.3% from the field.
The Core Four continues with the resurgence of Darius Garland, who has averaged 20.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field. Garland has tallied two 30-point games in the early showing.
The Cavs frontcourt is anchored by the towering combo of Power forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen.
Mobley is averaging 17.6 points per game with 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field. He is tied for fourth in the NBA in points in the paint (100).
Allen touts 15.0 points per game, 11.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 68.6% from the field, which is the fifth-highest percentage in the NBA.
Cleveland could once again be without sixth man Caris LeVert (right knee soreness), who is averaging 12.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He has missed back-to-back games.
After back-to-back fourth seed playoff entries, the Cavs have caught the league’s attention with their sizzling start. They look like much more than a top four team in the Eastern Conference.
Watch Cavs vs. Pelicans for free on DirecTV Stream
The Pelicans (3-5) have lost five of their last six games as injuries continue to derail their hopeful start.
Opposing the firepower of Cleveland, the offense is considerably less productive, averaging 107.8 points on 44.8% shooting. They are connecting on 35.4% on their deep shots.
New Orleans defense is allowing 116.3 points on 49.2% shooting, including 38.2% from the beyond the arc, which is 28th in the NBA. They own the third-worst defensive rating in the league.
The Pelicans are hauling in 42.6 rebounds per game.
Small forward Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 24.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 50% from the field.
Power forward Zion Willamson, who is questionable with thigh soreness, has played in five games and is averaging 21.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field.
The Pelicans will be without the services of shooting guard CJ McCollum, who suffered a right adductor strain and will miss at least a couple week. McCollum was averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field.
The Cavs and Pelicans split their season series in 2023.
Watch Cavs vs. Pelicans for free on FuboTV
Cavs vs. Pelicans Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers: Caris LeVert (right knee soreness), Max Strus (right ankle sprain), Emoni Bates (G-League assignment) and Dean Wade (illness) are all out.
Jaylon Tyson (left hip strain) is questionable.
New Orleans Pelicans: Herbert Jones (right shoulder strain), Karlo Matkovic (G-League assignment), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Trey Murphy III (right hamstring strain) and Dejountae Murray (left hand fracture) are all out.
Zion Williamson (right thigh soreness) and Jordan Hawkins (lower back tightness) are both questionable.
Who is announcing Cavs vs. Pelicans?
John Michael (play-by-play) and Brad Daugherty (analyst) will be the announcers while Serena Winters reports courtside.
What are the latest odds for Cavs vs. Pelicans?
Moneyline: NOP: (+250), CLE: (-310)
Spread: NOP: (+7.5), CLE: (-7.5)
Over/Under: 223
Here’s more information on how to watch Cavs vs. Pelicans on TV or streaming services:
What: NBA basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central)
Where: Smoothie King Center | New Orleans, Louisiana
Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $20 off first month) DirecTV Stream (free trial)
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios