An Eastern Conference showdown will happen at the Quicken Loans Arena when the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers host the thriving young team of the Orlando Magic this Saturday.
If the Magic were dwellers at the bottom of the standings last season, they are contending this year but are coming off a 103–91 New Year's Day defeat to the Washington Wizards.
The loss ended a two-game winning streak as they slipped to 19–14 for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Leading Orlando in the loss to the Wizards was guard Victor Oladipo who tallied 20 points, one rebound, five assists, and four steals in 31 minutes played off the bench.
Following Oladipo was center Nikola Vučević who recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Another big man had a huge game for the Magic as forward Tobias Harris contributed a double-double performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds that came with three assists and one block.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are on a two-game winning streak and are aiming to extend it to three games when they take on Orlando.
In Cleveland's most recent victory over the Denver Nuggets (93–87), franchise superstar LeBron James shone with 34 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one rejection.
Helping James was guard Iman Shumpert who came off the bench and listed 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Another standout for the Cavs was guard J.R. Smith who had 11 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving did not play against Denver but is hoping that the game will be the last one that he misses.
Despite a tight race in the Eastern Conference standings, the Cavaliers have managed to keep the top spot and are currently holding a 21–9 record.
The game between the Magic and Cavs will take place today, Jan. 2, at 7:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
