OPENING TIP
If you count the preseason, the Cavaliers are winless vs. the Bobcats in the coach Steve Clifford era. But you don't count the preseason (despite feeble attempts by writers attempting to make a meaningless point). Instead, the Cavs are 0-1 vs. the Bobcats on the season, losing a close one at Charlotte. But the good news is the Cavs are undefeated at home and that's where they are. And unlike the preseason, it counts.
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland.
TV/Radio: 7:30 p.m. EST, FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
PROJECTED STARTERS
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (4-4)
C Al Jefferson
PF Anthony Tolliver
SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
SG Gerald Henderson
PG Kemba Walker
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (3-6)
C Anderson Varejao
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG Jarrett Jack
PG Kyrie Irving
Pregame notes:
• Dion Waiters is doubtful for the Cavs with an undisclosed illness. Waiters played just 14 minutes against the Bobcats in the first meeting. Center Andrew Bynum remains away from the team for family medical purposes.
• Cavs coach Mike Brown has not named a starter in the event Waiters doesn't play. It could be Jack or it could be C.J. Miles.
• The Bobcats are one of three teams in the East with a .500. The Cavs are one of nine in the East with a losing record.
• Cavs assistant Bernie Bickerstaff was Bobcats coach and general manager from 2004-07. Bobcats coach Steve Clifford and Bickerstaff were assistants under Brown with the Lakers.
• Walker one of two players from 2011 draft class to not have missed a game (156 straight). Klay Thompson of the Warriors is the other.
• Bobcats owner Michael Jordan has hired five coaches since taking over the Bobcats. That’s one more than he played for during his 16-year career.
