This game sees the 7-2 Cleveland Cavaliers take on the 3-5 Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center. This sees the second game between the two sides this season, in what appears to be an emerging rivalry after the intense six game series last season. The two both played last night, Washington v Detroit and Cleveland v Minnesota, so this wil be a test of stamina as well as finesse. The last time the two met, the Cavaliers won by 3 (97-94) and Larry Hughes had a huge game. However, Hughes injured his leg against Portland and will miss this game. The question is: who can pick up the slack? Or rather, who can pick up the remainder of the slack once LeBron picks some of it up? <div align="center"><font color="#B94056"><u>Cleveland Cavaliers</u> </font> C Zydrunas Ilgauskas PF Drew Gooden SF LeBron James SG Damon Jones PG Eric Snow @ <font color="#006A8F"> C Etan Thomas PF Antawn Jamison SF Caron Butler SG DeShawn Stevenson PG Gilbert Arenas <u>Washington Wizards</u></font></div> <u>Key Matchup</u> – PF – Drew Gooden v Antawn Jamison v Gooden has had a great start to the season so far, averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds per contest, providing a consistent threat to the opposition. Jamison, a talented low post player who can also sink jumpshots time and time again, is averaging 21 points and 8 rebounds, solidifying his status as a premier forward in the East. He is, however, yet to prove himself as a big time player so, until he can prove that, he will continue to be fairly underrated. [div=50%] <font color="#006A8F"><u>Wizards’ Keys to Victory</u> <ul> [*]Get Gilbert Arenas going both early and in the clutch. Arenas is an incredibly talented player, who can take over a game and win it for his team. He needs to find his rhythm, though, else he could have a performance as sub-par as in the two teams’ opening game of the season. [*]Force jumpshots from the Cavaliers. If they fail to find their touch, they could be awful, allowing the Wizards to build up a large lead quickly, importantly for the possibility of a win. [*]As per usual, it is essential for LeBron James to be contained. He is capable of winning the game for the Cavs virtually any time. If Arenas and co can prevent him from scoring too many, the Wizards will have a strong opportunity at a W. [/list] </font> [/div] <font color="#B94056"><u>Cavaliers’ Keys to Victory</u> <ul> [*]Contain Gilbert Arenas. If he is unable to get going, he may struggle for the entire game, thus eliminating the Wizards’ main scoring threat. [*]Get LeBron James going. His rhythm is one of the strongest in the League. As a big, strong player he can score at will once he finds his groove in the game. [*]Play with high level of intensity. The best way to quash the advantage of the home crowd is to play with such an intensity that the Wizards can’t get good looks. Without the home crowd, the playing field could topple in the Cavaliers’ favour. [/list] </font> <u>Prediction</u> Including last season’s playoffs, the Cavaliers and Wizards have met 17 times since LeBron James entered the NBA. The Cavaliers have won 8 of these, whilst the Wizards have won 9. The cumulative score of these 17 games is 1819-1806 in favour of the Wizards. LeBron James averages 29.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists against the Wizards. He will need more like 35 points for the Cavaliers to win, especially with Larry Hughes out. <font color="#B94056">97</font>-<font color="#006A8F">96</font>
Those teams are very interesting to watch. They have showed very equal game so far. Especially in the last season's postseason. All eyes are still on the stars, LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas. They are both all-around players. They can do almost everything. Great scorers, great leaders, good playmakers. We all know that LeBron has an incredible court-vision. Unfortunately, Larry Hughes problably can't get involved in this game. Beacuse of his ankle injury. I'm hoping a fast pace game with a dramatic finish. I'm pretty sure that Gilbert and LeBron will both put up big numbers. Yeah, a close game: 91-87. (I'm hoping for a game winner, but it problably will not happen).
Good preview once again, Chingy. I never have a good feeling when the Wizards face the Cavaliers. They can never seem to stop LeBron James, and it should look like another good game going down to the wire, but Cleveland coming out strong. My Preview: http://www.justbball.com/forums/showthread.php?p=716201
Yeah, damn I have to eat my words about the LeBron's monster game. Gilbert was amazing, 45 pts, 5 assists 6 rebounds or smth like that. We have to go on, 7-3...
The fact that gilbert did that good while having to wear that gold and black uniform was impressive enough! Seriously, I don't know who's idea it was for that uniform, but it's got to go. None the less, the wizards destroyed us that game.
