By Zac Jackson
FOX Sports Ohio
November 16, 2010
Previewing tonight's Cavaliers-76ers game...
THE DETAILS: 76ers (2-8) at Cavaliers (4-5), Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m., as the Cavaliers try to salvage a win out of a three-game homestand. Fred McLeod and Austin Carr have the call on Fox Sports Ohio.
THE STARTERS: The Cavaliers might again be without Mo Williams (groin) and Anderson Varejao (ribs). Their status will be updated later today. They'll go with Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and J.J. Hickson, then Ramon Sessions at point if Williams can't go and Ryan Hollins at center if Varejao can't go.
The 76ers have gone to a young starting backcourt of J'Rue Holliday and Evan Turner. Andre Iguodala is out, meaning Andres Nocioni and Elton Brand start at forward with Spencer Hawes at center. Lou Williams, a combo guard and one of the league's best sixth men, is tied with Holliday for second the team in scoring (14.3) behind Brand (16.3).
THE SCOOP: The Cavaliers are 1-4 at home and need one badly as the schedule is about to take a nasty turn. They already have a road win over this 76ers team under the belt but that was with Williams and Varejao in the lineup. They just haven't been scoring in the second half, and coach Byron Scott said the team's lack of ball movement and confidence showed the players don't yet fully trust one another or the new offensive system.
They won the first meeting in Philadelphia 10 days ago, 123-116, as Varejao went 10-of-10 from the floor and scored 23 points. Williams had 22 and Daniel Gibson had 20 off the bench.
The 76ers have struggled, especially at the defensive end, but they play a fast-paced brand of basketball and are never out of a game. Brand is a dangerous post scorer -- more dangerous if Varejao can't play -- and the length and athleticism of the backcourt will challenge the Cavaliers. Head Coach Doug Collins said Iguodala is out to rest; he said Iguodala hasn't really been healthy all season.
The 76ers' first seven losses came by an average of 7 points. They lost by 23 in San Antonio in their last game Saturday night. Maybe they're out of gas as tonight completes a five-game road trip.
THE SERIES: The Cavaliers have won 13 of the last 16 over the 76ers and have scored over 100 points in five of the last six. The last six in Cleveland, though, have resulted in three wins apiece.
WHAT'S AHEAD: The Cavaliers embark on a three-game road trip, starting with weekend games at two of the NBA's best teams, Friday in New Orleans and Saturday in San Antonio.
