Cleveland Cavaliers by 16
Well, strap in because we're about to dive headfirst into this matchup. The New Orleans Pelicans, who might want to consider petitioning the league to get a handicap when they choke under pressure, are going up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team so dominant they should consider suing the Houston Rockets for glorifying losing.
Leading the charge for the feathered strugglers are Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray, both of whom averaged more than 20 points last season. They're supported rather inadequately by Southern dandy Zion Williamson who, let's face it, while he might land two-thirds of shots, he's no Shaq when it comes to filling the paint.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, are spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell and his 24.6 points per game. The mere mention of his name could raise the blood pressure of his opponents. He's joined by Darius Garland, who, unlike a broken Christmas tree light, hasn't failed to shine this season. Their sophomore sensation Evan Mobley is an interior nightmare for opponents, chipping in with his 18.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Despite the spectacular numbers put up by the Pelicans' top players, it's hard to ignore the fact they're sitting pretty at number 14 in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are gleefully laughing from the top of the Eastern Conference. It's like comparing the Titanic with a fully operational battleship.
The Cavaliers have been unstoppably cruising past opponents like a luxury sports car on an open highway, as evidenced by their recent undefeated run. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have been stumbling like a freshman on game night, with only two wins in their last five games.
Past matchups between these two have been less competitive than a tug-of-war against an elephant, with the Cavaliers coming out on top consistently. Given the Cav's blistering form, barring an alien abduction of their top players, this matchup is as predictable as the "Fast and Furious" movie plot.
So without further ado, here's my prediction:
Albert’s Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers by 16
