By Zac Jackson
Fox Sports Ohio
October 21, 2010
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Cavaliers appear ready to close the preseason tonight at full strength for the first time.
Antawn Jamison, who's missed the last two preseason games with a knee issue, plans to play in tonight's 7 p.m. preseason finale against the Bucks at Ohio State's Value City Arena. Head Coach Byron Scott said he was leaving the decision up to Jamison and also planned to speak with Jamison later today about coming off the bench in the regular season.
It's a role Scott has said throughout the preseason that he believes Jamison will embrace because he's a true professional and has done it before. The 35-year-old Jamison was the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year with Dallas in 2004.
Mo Williams, who missed three weeks with a groin injury, and Anderson Varejao, who returned to Brazil to tend to family matters and battled an ankle injury suffered this summer while playing for Brazil's National Team, returned to action earlier this week. Jamison will play both forward spots this season as the Cavaliers plan to run and utilize small lineups, and the starting power forward will be 22-year-old J.J. Hickson.
Hickson, a third-year pro, has struggled with consistency over the last two seasons and again this preseason but is thought to have a very high ceiling. Hickson has tremendous athleticism and a developing post game and leads the Cavaliers with a 14.9 scoring average this preseason. He had 22 points and 12 rebounds in Tuesday night's win over the 76ers.
Also back tonight for the Cavaliers will be Joey Graham, a fringe rotation player who also can play both forward spots. Graham has been battling a quad injury for the last week.
The Cavaliers open the regular season at home against the Celtics on Oct. 27. The opening-night starting lineup figures to be Williams at point, Anthony Parker at shooting guard, Jamario Moon at small forward and Hickson and Varejao up front. Jamison and preseason stars Ramon Sessions and Daniel Gibson will be counted on to provide offense off the bench, with center Ryan Hollins and combo forward Jawad Williams also seeming to be in line for minutes.
The Cavaliers will return to Cleveland following tonight's game. Scott said he'll likely give the team Friday off before they begin preparations for the opener.
Follow Zac Jackson on Twitter @FSOhioZJackson
