Game 74: Cavs @ Cats

[cdandi1]

http://www.nba.com/games/20110330/CLECHA/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021001106

Cavaliers-Bobcats Preview

7pm Eastern

Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC

By BRETT HUSTON

Posted Mar 30 2011 12:12PM

The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers visited the Charlotte Bobcats, they were in the early stages of a 26-game losing streak.

This time, they'll head to Time Warner Cable Arena off a performance that may almost make them forget the rest of their miserable season.

After spoiling LeBron James' latest homecoming, the Cavaliers look to do the same Wednesday night to the Bobcats' three-game winning streak - and their renewed playoff hopes.

Cleveland (15-58) finished with the league's best record in each of James' final two seasons, but it's heading toward having the most ping-pong balls in the draft lottery without him.

But even in a season that's featured an NBA-record losing streak, the Cavaliers have had a few bright spots - including home wins against Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers.

They notched a far more meaningful victory Tuesday night, though. After getting walloped by 28 in James' initial visit back to Quicken Loans Arena on Dec. 2, Cleveland got its revenge, shooting a season-high 55.6 percent and stunning Miami 102-90 despite coughing up all of a 23-point third-quarter lead.

"The last game here (against the Heat) left a bad taste in my mouth," coach Byron Scott told NBA.com. "They embarrassed us, and I was still a little ticked off by what happened. This was a great win."

Expecting the Cavaliers to carry that momentum into Wednesday seems like a long shot, however. Cleveland hasn't won consecutive games since Nov. 6-9, and it's been outscored by an average of 15.6 points in going 2-29 on the road since then.

It's also been routinely routed on the second night of back-to-back situations. Since falling 101-92 at Charlotte (31-42) on Dec. 29, the Cavaliers have lost their last nine back ends by an average of 18.9 points.

Facing a Bobcats team that's suddenly back in playoff contention isn't likely to reverse that trend. After falling three games behind Indiana for the Eastern Conference's No. 8 playoff spot with a 111-88 loss to the Pacers last Wednesday, Charlotte is back within a game.

It won its third straight Monday in particularly unlikely fashion. Down 86-80 to Milwaukee with 3:52 to play, Gerald Henderson scored the game's final seven points to lift the Bobcats to an 87-86 victory.

Henderson, who's started all 16 games since Gerald Wallace was traded, has averaged 14.4 points and shot 49.3 percent since March 5.

"I have to give him all the credit in the world," coach Paul Silas said. "He's really finding himself at the right time."

While the Bobcats expect center Kwame Brown, who missed Monday's win to be with his ill daughter, back Wednesday, there are still plenty of health concerns for Silas' club. Fellow big men Joel Przybilla and DeSagana Diop are sidelined with injuries, and forward Tyrus Thomas could miss the game after leaving Wednesday's shootaround with knee pain.

Starting point guard D.J. Augustin (bruised knee, sprained ankle) is expected to play, but backup Shaun Livingston (bruised tailbone) remains out.

If Augustin, who had 28 points in the win over Cleveland in December, can only play limited minutes, forward Boris Diaw - who logged time at center Monday - and little-used guard Garrett Temple could split time at the point.

Even if the Cavaliers catch a break there, they'll need to contain the other member of Charlotte's backcourt. Stephen Jackson has averaged 26.5 points during the Bobcats' four-game winning streak in the series - including 38 in December.

The teams conclude their season series Tuesday in Cleveland.

A very winnable game tonight for the cats, the cavs are prob bound for a let down after beating MIA last night. We need to keep the pressure on the Pacers who are hosting the Pistons tonight.

BOOM BOOM CLAP!!!!:party:

[Liminy]

Let's Go Cats!!!!

Doris better have his poo together after almost costing us the game against the Bucks.

[rico6]

Bobcats playing down to poo competition yet again.

This should be a blowout.

[YoungPanthers89]

yeah lets not guard baron davis

[rico6]

Silas is such an old fool when it comes to Subs. This is what happens when you stag.

The starters should have been in the game.

[YoungPanthers89]

hickson is murdering us

[rico6]

And this is why we rag on Boris.

You've got to hit those...

[YoungPanthers89]

hold on

[YoungPanthers89]

im starting to warm up to this nba thing

[rico6]

lol @ Cunningham throwing Collins off him. :lol:

Solid Win.

[Liminy]

D-Mac!!!!!!! Cats Win!!!! Cats Win!!!!

[bes628]

4 in a row baby. Good win.

[pantherfan49]

And this is why we rag on Boris.

You've got to hit those...

Come on Rico... everyone hates on Boris and sometimes he deserves it, but he absolutely saved Charlotte's ass tonight. The offense had to run through him with Jack out and DJ limited. 26/7/11 are Lebron type numbers.

BTW, gutsy performance by the little pg that could. 12 dimes and no turnovers. There is no doubt that Charlotte runs a better offense with DJ versus the 4 years of Felton.

[Dpantherman]

:hurray: