The Essentials:
Cavaliers (2-3) vs. Wizards (1-3)
7:00 p.m.
Verizon Center
TV: CSN
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Notable early Cavaliers numbers this season
22nd in expected winning percentage (.364)
20th in pace factor (92.9 possessions per game
18th in offensive efficiency (105.7 points/100 possessions)
24th in defensive efficiency (110 points/100 possessions
| Tonight's Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | vs. | Wizards |
| Mo Williams | PG | John Wall |
| Anthony Parker | SG | Kirk Hinrich |
| Jamario Moon | SF | Al Thornton |
| J.J. Hickson | PF | Andray Blatche |
| Anderson Varejao | C | JaVale McGee |
Sean and I will have more live from the Verizon Center later. Antawn Jamison is returning, but he's day-to-day with a knee injury and may not play. Even if he does play, he won't start.
UPDATE: Flip Saunders Pregame, via Sean
On Hinrich's play last night:
The whole team struggled....a lot of times other people don't get to their spots quite as quick...part of what was happening was that our bigs were leaving our guards out to dry on pick and rolls because they're not defending it and not being aggressive enough so our guards were being left out to dry in those situations. Kirk is defensively...even the guys he was matched up on, his contesting has been unbelievable as was his efficiency.
On Gilbert's minutes:
We'll try to keep him in that (last night's) range. We need to control his minutes.
Wall and Arenas chemistry:
Our chemistry last night was not good for anybody. Gil last night was the one bright spot. When you turn the ball over 26 times there is no chemistry except for the other team.
On zone defense:
Zone actually got us back into the game. Efficiency wise we were at a .8 which if you're under one is good. Through the first few games the zone has been our best defense.
UPDATE: Antawn Jamison will not play tonight.
Further Update: According to Mike Lee, Josh Howard has been cleared to participate in three on three, five on five, and contact drills.
GO WIZARDS!