Live Thread: Cavs @ Lakers

Live Thread: Cavs @ Lakers

2018-03-11 Off By Nate Smith

 

The Cavs play a second straight at the Staples center tonight, and the injury bug has bit them hard. Out tonight are Kevin Love (hand), Tristan Thompson (ankle), Cedi Osman (hip), and Rodney Hood (lower back). Jeff Green (back) and Kyle Korver (foot) are both battling injuries but are expecting to play tonight.

Jordan Clarkson looks to get more run at the two, and Calderon and John Holland will probably get some run too. Let’s hope Jeff Green spends his entire night at the four, and that he either starts shooting threes or making more than he misses.

I don’t expect the Cavs to lose this one. LeBron James doesn’t forget much, and he wont forget Isaiah Thomas’ sullenness in Cleveland. Meanwhile Larry Nance and Jordan Clarkson will be looking to show Magic Johnson and Luke Walton what they’re missing. James might actually play defense and box out tonight after posting a -16 Friday. Stopping the Lakers will take a balanced effort as they routinely have 6+ players in double figures, with Kuzma, Randle, Lopez, Ball, Thomas, and Caldwell-Pope all capable of getting it going in the scoring column.

Larry Nance remains key, but he and Ante Zizic will have to balance protecting the rim with protecting from backside lob as DeAndre Jordan and Montrezl Harrell ate the Cavs for dinner on a diet of alley oops, Friday. Despite battling a solidly playing Lakers team (4-2 in the last six) and the undefeated L.A. nightlife, I’m betting James tries to put the Lakers away early, and Jordan Clarkson goes off. 122-104, Cavs.

 

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