CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have won two straight games, but neither victory came easily. After nearly blowing a 22-point lead against Brooklyn on Saturday, the Cavs needed overtime to defeat Minnesota on Monday. Now they'll look for a more comfortable win when the Washington Wizards visit Rocket Arena Wednesday night.

Cleveland enters the matchup at 2-1 following Monday's 127-125 overtime victory over the Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points, while the Cavaliers overcame a 15-point deficit to secure their second consecutive home win.

The Cavs have already experienced plenty of ups and downs in the opening week. After blowing a 29-point lead in their season-opening loss to Philadelphia, they nearly squandered another big lead against Brooklyn. Monday's comeback showed Cleveland can win from behind, but head coach Kenny Atkinson would undoubtedly prefer a game that doesn't come down to the final possession. 

Washington enters Wednesday at 2-2 following a 110-103 loss to Charlotte on Monday. Unlike Wizards teams of recent years, this roster has plenty of talent, including Trae Young and Anthony Davis. 

Young is averaging 22.3 points and 11 assists through four games, giving Washington a dangerous playmaker who can create opportunities for teammates or score on his own. Davis has also been solid, averaging 22.8 points and 9.3 rebounds.

That creates a challenge for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will need to keep Washington's guards from controlling the tempo, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will have their hands full against Davis and Alex Sarr inside.

The Cavaliers should have an advantage with their depth, especially when Washington's starters head to the bench. Cleveland has enough offensive weapons to create mismatches throughout the game, but the Cavs must avoid the defensive lapses that have already caused problems this season.

Wednesday's contest is also the first of back-to-back games for Cleveland, which travels to Atlanta on Thursday. With three games in four nights, getting a comfortable lead and limiting the starters' minutes would be more than welcome.

The Cavaliers have won their first two home games, and Wednesday is a chance to make it three straight while building some consistency before a brutal stretch of the schedule.

Game Information

Prediction

Washington has more talent than its record might suggest, especially with Young and Davis, but Cleveland has the better overall roster and the advantage of playing at home. The Cavs should be able to take control early and, for once, maintain a comfortable lead through the final quarter.

Cavaliers 125, Wizards 105