The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to San Antonio on April 4, 2025, to face the Spurs in what should be a textbook example of two teams heading in very different directions. The Cavaliers enter the contest as the class of the Eastern Conference, boasting a 60-15 record and operating at a level that borders on surgical. They’ve already locked in the top seed and now look to close the regular season strong while potentially chasing their franchise-record 66 wins from 2008–09. The Spurs, on the other hand, come into the game at 32-44, well outside the Western Conference playoff picture and treading water after a season dominated by injuries and “developmental” lineups. On paper, this game looks like a mismatch, but in the chaotic final weeks of the NBA season, nothing is ever automatic. Cleveland’s success this season has hinged on a clear identity: a dynamic backcourt that scores in bunches, a frontcourt that anchors one of the best defenses in the league, and a well-constructed rotation that rarely falls apart even when the starters rest. Donovan Mitchell continues to be the Cavs’ offensive engine, putting up 24.0 points per game with his usual blend of explosiveness and shot creation. Alongside him, Darius Garland has managed the offense with poise, averaging 6.7 assists per game while spacing the floor and facilitating in pick-and-roll sets. Down low, Jarrett Allen’s rebounding and Evan Mobley’s rim protection have made life difficult for opposing bigs. That defensive backbone, combined with efficient perimeter shooting and solid bench play, has turned the Cavaliers into a legitimate title contender—and not just a product of the weak East narrative.

Meanwhile, the Spurs have endured what you’d politely call a “rebuilding year,” except even that feels generous when your franchise phenom, Victor Wembanyama, is sidelined indefinitely with deep vein thrombosis. The injury bug didn’t stop there—De’Aaron Fox has been out following finger surgery, and the lineup has resembled a rotating cast of rookies, role players, and whoever remembered to bring sneakers. Still, San Antonio has shown signs of life, including a recent win over the defending champion Denver Nuggets, which snapped a five-game losing streak. Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan have carried much of the load, while Chris Paul—yes, somehow still effective—has provided veteran leadership and playmaking stability. Acting head coach Mitch Johnson has juggled development with competitiveness, walking that frustrating tightrope between “let’s win” and “let’s learn.” The previous meeting between these two teams, a 124-116 Cavaliers win on March 27, showcased the talent gap clearly, though San Antonio managed to hang around longer than expected. That could happen again—especially with the Cavs potentially managing minutes late in the season—but Cleveland’s depth and defensive discipline give them a clear edge. The Cavs will aim to get out early, control the pace, and avoid giving the Spurs any confidence. San Antonio, meanwhile, will need contributions from its bench, hustle on the glass, and about 17 perfect possessions in a row to really make this interesting. It’s a tall order, but if there’s one thing late-season NBA games have taught us: even juggernauts can trip over trap games.