The Cavs have built the league’s most dynamic offense under head coach Kenny Atkinson, with an offensive rating of 121.5.

Their success lies in their balanced attack.

While stars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley often lead the way, Cleveland relies on its depth to maintain its dominance. Players like Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome and Georges Niang have consistently performed well off the bench and given the Cavs the versatility to adapt on the fly.

However, their offensive renaissance will be put to its toughest test yet against an Oklahoma City defense that has slowed its opponents all season.

The Thunder have the league’s best defensive rating (101.5) and an uncanny ability to close down space. The Thunder’s defense was the foundation of their success.

But they wouldn’t be where they are without the offensive performance of their MVP candidate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.3 points per game and ranks second in effective field goal percentage (57.5%) among players with at least 33% effort. He has a knack for making the right play — even when the defense is fixated on him — and that intangible factor has catapulted Oklahoma City into the air. Jalen Williams, a Most Improved Player candidate, has also proven to be a crucial player, combining offensive versatility with elite perimeter defense. Among the Thunder’s active rotation players who log more than 25 minutes per game, only Gilgeous-Alexander (32.4) and Williams (26.8) post a usage rate above 20%.

While Cleveland relies on its offensive firepower, the team remains anchored to its defensive roots, with Wednesday’s game plan focused on disrupting Gilgeous-Alexander’s rhythm.

The possible return of Isaac Okoro, who has been sidelined for over two weeks with a sprained ACL in his right shoulder, could be crucial. Known for his physicality and ability to navigate screens, Okoro is Cleveland’s best bet to contain a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber.

Even if Okoro makes his long-awaited return, Atkinson and his staff will use a mix of defensive assignments against the Thunder guard. Dean Wade and LeVert are also in the mix, as both have shown this season that they are capable of disrupting some of the league’s best ballplayers.

Over the last 15 games, the Cavaliers have the second-best defensive rating (106.9) in the league, trailing only the Thunder. Jarrett Allen’s rim protection and Mobley’s switchability have given Cleveland the ability to disrupt opposing offenses. That defensive prowess will be put to the test by a Thunder team that thrives on movement, spacing and relentless energy.

This clash is more than a clash of styles – it’s a moment of recognition for two small teams that have carved their way into the national conversation.

The Thunder and Cavaliers prove that elite talent and smart organization can thrive outside of the usual NBA powerhouses.

For Cleveland, a win would be further confirmation of their emergence as an offensive powerhouse. For Oklahoma City, it’s a chance to show they can take down anyone, anywhere.

This is just the first of two meetings between these teams this season. They will face off again on January 16th, but for now all eyes are on Wednesday night.

It’s a game that seems bigger than the rankings – a potential NBA Finals preview that features two of the league’s most exciting teams.

Here’s what you should know about the matchup:

WHO: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Series: First of two regular season meetings.

Where: Rocket Mortgage Field House.

When: 7:00 p.m. ET.

The distribution of points: Cavs minus-2.5; O/U 229.5

TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio

Injury report

CAVS:

Out of:

Emoni Bates (two-sided); Luke Travers (two-way); JT Thor (two-sided).

Questionable:

Isaac Okoro (shoulder); Sam Merrill (ankle).

THUNDER:

Out of:

Alex Caruso (hip); Chet Holmgren (iliac fracture); Ajay Mitchell (toe); Nikola Topic (knee).