The Cavaliers do seem improved this season. But they aren't better than the Trail Blazers and this spot sets up well for Portland.

The Trail Blazers are trying to salvage the final game of a three-game road trip. They lost, 125-113, to the improved Hornets this past Sunday and followed that up with a disgusting, 113-103, loss to the 76ers on Monday. Philadelphia was minus Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons.

Cleveland last played at home on Oct. 23. The Cavaliers concluded a five-game road trip with a 113-110 victory against the Hornets Monday giving them a 3-2 mark on their away journey. ''To go 3-2 on this trip is a hell of an accomplishment,'' Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff was quoted as saying.

So the Cavaliers come into this matchup fat and happy. They also might not have their focus being away from home for the past 11 days. Right after this game, the Cavaliers go back on the road for away games on Friday and Sunday. Such is the quirkiness of the NBA schedule.

Cleveland will be playing with a short rotation as Kevin Love is in the NBA's health and safety protocol. He isn't expected to play today.

The Trail Blazers dominated the Cavaliers last season winning by 19 points at home and 36 points on the road. They have covered five of the last six times versus the Cavs.