Prediction: Kawhi-less Spurs vs. the Defenseless Cavs

Two struggling teams both on the 3rd spot of both conferences. Who would win? Or who would fall first?

Yes, both squads aren't standing as tough as they could but they are in different situations.

Cavs is in a conflict despite the team and its key players present all the time while San Antonio struggles without their key player Kawhi Leonard.

The Spurs is dealing with some mental or emotional hardship while the Cavs were really being rained down with embarrassing defeats.

So I guess, San Antonio's not mentally conditioned while Cleveland couldn't just give enough to win games.

After all, Cavs mental condition might've been affected after losing some must-win games especially the Warriors game followed by another unfortunate loss against OKC recently.

So what would be the story of this matchup?

Weak defense vs. Incomplete Offense

Cavs loss was due to their defensive issues like letting the opponent score too much than usual which is, of course, a result of a very loose wall defense. On the other hand, Spurs would play without Kawhi.

It would be a battle of singlehanded powerhouse teams that are now perhaps not at full power like they used to be.

The outcome would depend on how fast the score would rise. A low scoring ball game means that the Cavs are taking control, otherwise, it would be the Spurs walking with heads high even without Kawhi.

It would be an adjustment within the match. Whoever adopts first with their weaknesses to take advantage of the other side's vulnerability would prevail.

Cavs way to win is to force Spurs to turnovers, make them miss a lot of shots and deliver empty possessions while the best way for Spurs is for someone off the bench to set up and fill in Kawhi's void.