Cleveland can start possessions through two guards and finish them through two bigs, while Oklahoma City still has Shai's drive and passing threat. The first lead will matter less than the next exchange after the trailing team responds. In Omiya against Iwaki, the central passing duel sets a different test: Omiya seeks the flanks, and Iwaki presses the handoff before attacking directly. Both fixtures turn on whether the first attack is followed by another clean chance and a defensive stop.
Harden and Donovan Mitchell can draw Oklahoma City's first help defender, leaving Mobley or Allen to finish. Shai can answer in the paint, but the Thunder's current report rules out Wallace, Caruso, Holmgren and Jalen Williams, all absent from their last game. Cleveland's four core scorers played at Milwaukee, giving it several ways to create the next good shot after a Thunder run. That's why I'm siding with the Cleveland Cavaliers to win.
Omiya have moved the ball through pressure and can reach Izumi or Sekiguchi wide, yet their high line has allowed direct attacks and their recent possession has not stopped opponents' shots. Iwaki's press, Michiwaki's runs and Nishitani's supply match that space; Michiwaki and Nishitani played against Tochigi City, while Kato scored after entering. Gen Kato returns for Omiya, so its midfield can change, but Iwaki's current chance prevention gives it a credible way to end the home side's next move. That's why I'm siding with Iwaki to take something from this match.
