Live Thread: Cavs vs. Wizards (#MiraclesCanHappen)

Nearly four decades ago, the relatively fledgling Cavaliers franchise shocked their fanbase, the city of Cleveland and the world at large by taking down Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes and the Washington Bullets in seven unbelievable games… a series that has since been famously referred to as the “Miracle of Richfield.” Tonight, the current Cavs remember and pay homage to their basketball forebears (some of whom still roam the press box and sidelines of the Q) with a halftime celebration honoring the members of that 1975-76 squad.

Before and immediately following that presentation, the Cavs (42-17) will do their best to exact a measure of revenge against the now Washington Wizards for a beatdown administered a mere five days ago. Granted, that was a Bron-less loss, but the wound is still fresh… and the reverberations of what this team is (or isn’t) without their leader seem to have rippled through the team’s psyche this week. Questions about Kyrie’s happiness, Kevin’s usage, Ty Lue’s patience, and even LBJ’s off day itineraries have sprung up like so many leaks in the boat that’s navigating the treacherous waters of this season. Sometimes, you’d think it was a miracle they’ve been able to stay afloat…

But, the Cavs have 23 more games to get back to some smooth sailing into the post-season. Righting the ship against the improving, but still not yet playoff bound Wiz (30-30 and a half game behind the Pistons for the 8th seed in the East) would be another step forward. This time, they will be without the services of newly minted Banana Republic “style ambassador,” Kevin Love (scheduled rest/photo shoot?), yet it shouldn’t exactly take any divine intervention for the Cavs to emerge victorious on their home floor, where they are a stellar 25-5 on the season. True, Washington is one of the five teams to have beaten the Cavs at the Q this year, but that game also didn’t feature Kyrie Irving.

On a positive note, LeBron was named EC Player of the Month for February, the 30th time he’s been handed such an award in his career. In honor of this (okay… not really), he somehow talked Kendrick Lamar into releasing a whole new album of untitled tracks… using just a plaintive Tweet. Talk about your minor miracles…

Yo @dangerookipawaa after that @kendricklamar Grammy performance , you have to release those untitled tracks asap!!! What's up? Talk to me

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 23, 2016

Probable starting lineup for the Cavs include: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert (starting for Love), LeBron James (at the four) and Timofey Mozgov. For the Wizards: John Wall, Garrett Temple, Otto Porter, Jared Dudley and Marcin Gortat.

Game time is 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PST), and the action will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Prediction: Fueled by the memories of the past heroes of Richfield, the Cavs will conjure up a 112-98 victory over the team formerly known as the Bullets… no miracles required.