OPENING TIP
Well, here we are again: The Cavaliers are about to go through another stretch run without Anderson Varejao and most likely, Kyrie Irving. So what is there to play for? Only the Cavs can make that decision. The key here is to keep playing hard, trying to execute Byron Scott’s game plan, and let everything else fall where it may. Meanwhile, the Wizards are just trying to learn to win. They’ve done a decent job of that lately -- claiming nine of their previous 15 overall and five of nine since the All-Star break.
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland.
TV/Radio: 6:30 p.m. EST, FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
All-Time Series: Wizards lead, 103-91.
PROJECTED STARTERS
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (20-41)
C Emeka Okafor
PF Nene
SF Martell Webster
SG Garrett Temple
PG John Wall
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (21-42)
C Tyler Zeller
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG Dion Waiters
PG Shaun Livingston
Pregame notes:
• Wizards rookie Bradley Beal (sprained ankle) has missed the past three games and is listed as day-to-day. Beal’s 14.2 ppg actually leads the team.
• Veteran forward Trevor Ariza has been big lately off the Wizards’ bench. He’s averaging 14.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in the last nine games.
• Also, Webster has done an underrated job as a starter, pretty much flourishing since Wall returned from an injury at mid-season. Webster is averaging 12.8 points on 64-percent shooting since Jan. 1.
• The Wizards are 15-13 since Wall returned. Both the Cavs and Wizards were 7-5 in February.
• The Cavs are averaging an NBA-low 12.3 turnovers per game since Jan. 14. The Cavs have tied or committed fewer turnovers than their opponent in 30 of the last 37 games.
• Livingston was waived by the Wizards earlier this season, and claimed by the Cavs on Christmas Day. He's been a true gem in Cleveland.
