OPENING TIP
Well, LeBron James is back in town, and that’s always the story. But the real matter for the Cavs? They just need a win. They’ve lost three straight and haven’t looked good in the process. But boy, a win over the defending back-to-back champs (and yes, LeBron) sure would make you feel good. Maybe, just maybe, the Cavs could do something to make themselves feel good. The key, as Mike Brown has indicated, is to give their all. They may not win, but at least the Cavs could look themselves in the mirror. And they could use a little more of that these days.
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland.
TV/Radio: 7:30 p.m. EST, FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
PROJECTED STARTERS
MIAMI HEAT (11-3)
C Chris Bosh
PF Udonis Haslem
SF LeBron James
SG Dwyane Wade
PG Mario Chalmers
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (4-10)
C Andrew Bynum
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG Matthew Dellavedova
PG Kyrie Irving
Pregame notes:
• C.J. Miles (calf strain) is a game-time decision for the Cavs. Starting forward Shane Battier (sick) is out for the Heat.
• The Heat swept the season series, 4-0, last year and have won seven straight. They cannot repeat that feat this year -- as the Heat and Cavs only play three times.
• The Heat have shot a sizzling 91 percent on free throws in their previous two road games, including 21-of-23 from the line at Charlotte.
• James has scored in double figures in 509 consecutive road games, including 231 straight for the Heat. The latter is a franchise record.
• The Heat are 6-1 when leading after the first quarter and 9-0 when leading at halftime. They are just 2-2 when trailing at halftime.
• They’re also just 1-2 when being outscored in the paint.
