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Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers started their five-game losing streak with losses to the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks back on Dec. 12 and 14, but this weekend they will get a chance to reverse the trend with two matchups against the very same squads. This time around, the Cavaliers will host the Pacers on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET) before traveling to Milwaukee for another matchup against the Bucks on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET).
Cleveland (0-7 vs. Central Division) is the only team in the Eastern Conference that has yet to win a divisional game, and New Orleans (0-3 vs. Southwest Division) is the only other NBA team winless in its own division. Two of the Cavs' divisional losses have come against the Bucks -- including a heart-breaking defeat Nov. 3 sealed by a Brandon Jennings game-winner -- while only one loss has come at the hands of the Pacers.
At 5-22, it's difficult to think the Cavs could turn things around and compete for a playoff spot, but it's important for a young team to gain confidence against divisional opponents it will face frequently for years to come.
The complete NBA schedule can be found at Sports Illustrated.