The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to end their recent three-game losing streak as they face the Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. ET on March 21, 2025, at Footprint Center. This game is pivotal for both teams as the Cavaliers seek to regain their footing, while the Suns aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Cavaliers come into this matchup with a record of 56-13, having dropped their last three games. They've faced a tough road trip, losing back-to-back games on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings. In their last outing against the Clippers on March 18, the Cavaliers conceded 132 points, tying for their fifth-highest allowed this season, falling 132-119. They followed that with a close 123-119 loss to the Kings on March 19, emphasizing a worrying trend for a team that has typically been a defensive stronghold.
Evan Mobley shared insights on the Cavaliers' challenges, stating, "We've been having slippage on the defensive side." He noted the need for the team to improve their focus and intensity during games, particularly after taking early leads. Cleveland has the highest-scoring offense in the NBA, averaging 122.4 points per game, but they currently rank 11th in scoring defense, allowing 112 points per contest.
In addition, the Cavaliers missed the presence of Darius Garland, their second-leading scorer, against the Kings, as he was rested in a planned move to maintain player health during this critical season. However, the team is expected to be at full strength against the Suns.
On the other hand, the Suns have shown signs of turning their season around, standing at 33-37. They recently started a five-game homestand on a positive note, winning against the Chicago Bulls 127-121 on March 19, 2025. Devin Booker led the charge in that victory, scoring 41 points, marking his fourth game with over 40 points this season. The Suns aim to build on this momentum as they vie for a place in the playoff play-in tournament.
Collin Gillespie, who started while on a two-way contract, has begun to find a significant role within the Suns' rotation. Coach Mike Budenholzer praised Gillespie's contribution, particularly for his tenacious defense and ability to impact the game positively. "He's pesky, he gets up in, he picks up full court, gets on the boards," Budenholzer remarked on Gillespie's efforts. In the same vein, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen have provided scoring support, contributing to the team's recent surge.
With both teams fighting for stability, the matchup on March 21 holds significant implications. The Cavaliers are favored by -8.5 points, according to the latest gambling lines, suggesting a 77.3% chance of victory, while the Suns are seen as underdogs with a 27% implied chance of winning. The point total is set at 235, reflecting expectations for high-scoring action from both sides.
The Cavaliers have averaged 230.7 points in their games this season, indicating their capability to exceed the projected scoring total. Surprisingly, however, their last five games have tricky defense challenges to overcome, which Mobley has highlighted as essential for success. The Suns, also under pressure to improve their defensive statistics (currently allowing 115.8 points per game), will need to tighten their perimeter defense against a versatile Cavaliers lineup.
As the two teams prepare to face off, both will be keenly aware that this game could have significant ramifications not only for their current standings but also for their momentum heading into the last few weeks of the regular season. The Cavaliers need to stop the bleeding from their current slump and stay solidly ahead in the Eastern Conference, while the Suns aim to continue their push for the playoff play-in spot while capitalizing on any slip from their rivals.
Overall, this meeting promises to be an exciting clash filled with intrigue and high stakes as the playoffs loom nearer for both squads. Fans can catch the action live on AZFamily and FDSOH, and the league anticipates a thrilling showdown between two teams with much to prove.
