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The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic face off in Game 2 of their 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series on Monday. The Cavaliers took Game 1 easily, 97-83. A hot shooting start followed by a sustainable performance for the rest of the game helped Donovan Mitchell and Co. defend their homecourt advantage and take a 1-0 lead.
Mitchell dropped 30 points, three assists and three steals, shooting 11-of-21, while Jarrett Allen had 16 points and 18 rebounds. Evan Mobely and Darius Garland also finished with 10+ points each. The Cavs were highly efficient on the boards with a +14 rebounding advantage and paint scoring with a 48-36 margin.
Meanwhile, the Magic trailed by nine, but their defense helped them get back into the contest for a brief stretch, as they brought the deficit down to five points multiple times, once in the second quarter and then in the third.
However, the Cavaliers fended off those runs and come out on top midway through the third, extending their advantage to a game-high 20-point lead that sealed the win.
The Magic's role players around Paolo Banchero, who had 24 points and Franz Wagner, who scored 18, must contribute at a higher rate if they are to tie the series on Monday.
Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports for Game 2
Orlando Magic injury report
The Magic haven't reported any injuries for Game 2.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report
The Cavaliers will continue without Dean Wade, Ty Jerome and Craig Porter. The trio missed Saturday's Game 1, too. Wade is dealing with a knee injury, while Jerome and Porter have ankle injuries,
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic Game 2?
NBA TV will broadcast the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic game nationally, while Bally Sports Ohio and Bally Sports Florida will provide coverage in local areas. Fans outside the US can stream the game online via NBA League Pass. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Cavaliers' homecourt.
The Cavaliers are -225 favorites to go up 2-0 in this clash, with a -5.5 spread. As well as Orlando performed in the regular season, it seems outmatched because of Cleveland's experience with more veterans on its roster.
The offensive depth the Cavaliers boast proved decisive, and the Magic lack that, which will continue helping Donovan Mitchell and Co. have the edge on Monday and for the rest of the series.
