Cavaliers Preview Game #43
Cleveland Cavaliers (34-8) vs
Sacramento Kings (10-35)
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Friday, January 23, 2009
7:00 PM EST
FSNOH/WTAM
Rock couldn’t get to a preview today, so you’re stuck with me Cavs fans. The Cavs were certainly excited to come home Saturday night after a 3-1 west coast trip. They were even more excited that Zydrunas Ilgauskas was able to practice with them on Monday. Z isn’t going to be in uniform for this one, but there is a chance that he suits up for the big one on Thursday in Orlando. Speaking of which, could tonight be that dreaded ‘trap game’? The Cavs are favored heavily tonight, but are still without Z, and Delonte West. The 20 game home unbeaten streak is on the line.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers:
-G Mo Williams (16.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 0.8 spg, 16.42 PER)
-G Sasha Pavlovic (4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, .418 3P%, 10.30 PER)
-F LeBron James (28.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 6.9 apg, 31.67 PER)
-F Ben Wallace (3.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg, 13.28 PER)
-C Anderson Varejao (9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 0.8 bpg, 15.52 PER)
Key Reserves: Daniel Gibson, Wally Szczerbiak, JJ Hickson, Darnell Jackson
Injuries: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (out), Delonte West (out), Eric Snow (out)
Sacramento Kings:
-G Kevin Martin (23.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, .405 3P%, 17.88 PER)
-G Beno Udrih (11.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 12.63 PER)
-F Jason Thompson (9.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 13.39 PER)
-F John Salmons (18.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 16.73 PER)
-C Brad Miller (12.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, 16.29 PER)
Key Reserves: Francisco Garcia, Spencer Hawes, Bobby Jackson
Injuries:
Previous Matchups
1st game this season. Last season the Cavs swept the series 2-0.
Game Notes
The Kings are dead last in defensive efficiency, and better only than Golden State in giving up points. Opposing teams average 107.8 points per contest. That’s awful. Having not seen them yet this season, I can’t say for certain if it is a style of play, or pace of game issue. They average 96 possessions a game, which is good for ninth in the league, but not quite the blistering 100 possession pace we saw in the Golden State game. On paper, they look like a fine supporting cast for a superstar that isn’t there. and that will likely be the difference tonight.
LeBron won Eastern Conference player of the week honors for his performances in the Cavs road trip (Mo Williams was also nominated.) The Kings don’t seem to have an answer for LeBron, especially with Ron Artest playing for the Rockets these days.
The story tonight might be the “audition” of Brad Miller. It’s no secret that the Kings are looking to be players in the trade market. They apparently have received offers for not just Miller, but also John Salmons. The Sacramento Bee reported that the Heat have offered Marion to the Kings along with other pieces, and the Blazers are also said to be pursuing a deal with Sacramento. We’ve mentioned on several occasions that the Cavs could be interested in obtaining Miller, who is more of a traditional offensive center. The seven footer can score with his back to the basket, and can also shoot the ball just outside the paint. He would certainly provide insurance for the Cavaliers, in case Z’s injury lingers beyond January or February. He is coming off perhaps his best game of the season, coming close to a triple double against Milwaukee.
From The Outside Looking In
Sactown Royalty
Sacramento Bee KingsBlog
Vegas Lines
Cleveland -11.5
Over/Under 204
Next Game For The Cavaliers
Thursday, January 29, 2009
8:00 PM EST
Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic
January 27th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I’ve always been in favor of a deal for Miller. But the cost can’t be too high. Wally and a pick, is all, and 2nd at that. I don’t want to be giving up the farm for a guy who will come off the bench for the next 2 years.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Michael Reghi just said that the Cavaliers have had talks with the Jazz about Loozer.
January 27th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I’m sure if he played really well, people wouldn’t hate him as much. But I just don’t see Ferry going that route. Pulling the move that he did, not sure Ferry would feel his reward is greater than the risk.
January 27th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Played well, and perhaps apologized?
January 27th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Every time Boozer gets that focused look when he’s at the foul line I think he’s trying to count to some really big number, like seven. I’m not sure if he can count that high.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Mo has 25, LeBron 17 going into the half, each with 20 minutes played. Sasha has 9 – Cavs up 60-55. That’s all I know based on ESPN Gamecast – how they actually looking?
January 27th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Did not play D for a good portion of the game, but have come out more determined and look like they will pull away soon.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
they looked pretty sloppy for a good stretch, and 55 points by the Kings at half time is pretty much unacceptable for a team like ours
January 27th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Mo: 37-5-4
LeBron: 18-12-10
One word: wow.
The D’s struggling, but these guys (along with Martin) are going off!
January 27th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
43 for mo right now? (shakes head approvingly, albeit in disbelief)
January 27th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
mo is absolutely killing it…i gotta share a website with everyone…if u aren’t in the cleveland area and absolutely must watch the cavs….
http://www.channelsurfing.net/
January 27th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Williams! Amazing!
January 27th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I was at a Cavs pre-game event hosted by Danny Ferry-he made it very clear that the Cavs have had NO contact with Reggie Miller; they did contact him last year via a close relationship with Mike Brown. Nothing to that rumor. Danny did say that he would like to add a player if it makes sense, but not at the expense of doing anything to the current chemistry-feels the team can win a championship as it is constructed. I also literally bumped in Fred Mcleod on the elevator up and he told me Z is expected to suit up this Thursday in Orlando.
I was high on potentially acquiring Brad Miller, until I saw him tonight. The guy has very little left, can’t run the court, and has very limited mobility. I’d definitely NOT give up Wally’s contract for him. I also came away very unimpressed with John Salmons. I don’t think either is in the CAVS future after their performances respectively.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Yes indeed, Mo was sizzling. He’s got ice in his veins, just dagger after dagger.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Best record in the Association. Gotta like it.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Mo went from 16.4 to 17.2 PPG due to his Mo-Splosion last night.