Cavaliers vs. Wizards
Tipoff: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Records: Cavaliers 50-27; Wizards 46-35.
TV: FOX Sports Ohio. Radio: WTAM-AM 1100 flagship; WAKR-AM 1590 Akron.
Projected Starters
Cavaliers: C Timofey Mozgov; PF Kevin Love; SF LeBron James; SG J.R. Smith; PG Kyrie Irving.
Wizards: C Marcin Gortat; PF Nene; SF Paul Pierce; SG Bradley Beal; PG John Wall.
Injury Report
Cavaliers: C Anderson Varejao (Achilles) out.
Wizards: G Garrett Temple (hamstring) out.
Dribbles
1. Cavs coach David Blatt said he "more or less" expects everyone important to play tonight. At least, for a little bit. But that could change between now and, like, five minutes from now.
2. Kyrie Irving looked to have a sore hip in the win over the Pistons the other night. The Cavs sat him in the second half for precautionary reasons. He is fine and ready for the playoffs.
3. LeBron James has sat out seven straight regular-season finales. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he plays at all in this one.
4. Amico's opinion: Rest everyone who really, really matters. This game means nothing for either team. At most, let the starters play four or five minutes to give the fans a little bit of fun.
5. Either way, I won't be there. Believe it or not, I'm getting married Friday night and will spend the next two days writing about the NBA playoffs and doing soon-to-be-married-guy stuff. Like trying on my tux, getting a marriage license and watching Breaking Bad reruns.
6. The Cavs face the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, a best-of-seven series. I've heard the series schedule will be Game 1 on Sunday (at 3:30 Eastern), followed by Tuesday night, followed by Friday night at Boston. But that can change, and nothing is official.
7. Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck said he wanted LeBron in the playoffs "and I would love to beat him."
8. LeBron told FOX Sports Ohio he thinks the Cavs are peaking at the right time. "I think we're there, as close as we've ever been," he said.
9. The Cavs will be giving away more than $1 million in prizes for the finale, dubbed Fan Appreciation Night. That includes a new car. Personally, I think they should let the fans suit up. Or if not the fans, then News-Herald reporter Bob Finnan.
10. The Cavs have won 27 of 28 when scoring at least 100 points, and are 41-5 overall in that department.
