Cavs vs. Warriors; preview, injury report, odds, TV

Cleveland, Ohio — Friday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, two of the NBA's hottest teams will collide as the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers (9-0) host the Golden State Warriors, who come in with a 7-1 record after handing the Boston Celtics their second loss of the season on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

For Cavs' head coach Kenny Atkinson, this game carries added significance. Not only is this his first NBA matchup against Stephen Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr since taking over the Cavs, but it's also a reunion. Atkinson, formerly an assistant under Kerr, brings a unique perspective to this game — one molded by his experiences coaching in Golden State for three seasons and, most recently, against Kerr and Curry in the 2024 Olympics, where Team USA beat Atkinson's French National Team for the gold medal.

Atkinson's familiarity with the Warriors' style could be an asset, but shutting down Curry, even in just his third game back from a left peroneal strain, is easier said than done. Curry's lethal shooting and Buddy Hield's complementary perimeter scoring present a major challenge for the Cavs' backcourt and wings. Guards like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and defensive ace Isaac Okoro could be tasked with chasing Curry through screens and staying vigilant on the perimeter. This responsibility could be even more critical if Cavs wing Dean Wade, who has been dealing with an illness and didn't travel for the team's latest road trip to New Orleans, remains sidelined.

But these Cavs bring their own arsenal. Cleveland has exploded offensively, scoring 130 or more points in four games, tying their total from last season in just nine games under Atkinson's revamped offense. Garland and Mitchell continue to lead the charge, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring a formidable interior presence.

The Cavs have demonstrated newfound offensive versatility this season, a system where multiple players can shine, making it difficult for opponents to focus on a single threat. For the Warriors, that means contending not only with Cleveland's All-Star guards but also with versatile forwards who have flourished in the new system.

The stakes might feel familiar, but under Atkinson's guidance, Cleveland's approach is anything but, setting the stage for a must-watch early-season matchup.