Live Thread: Cavs vs. Clippers (#HomeSweetHome?)

Three of the five members of “The Hoopers” will be on the court at Quicken Loans Arena tonight, as “Dad” and “Mom” will square off against their “Son” (“Grandpa” and “Baby” will be otherwise occupied). One of the stranger advertising campaigns of recent memory that joined two Clippers (Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan) with one “Cavalier” youngster (Kevin Love), will undoubtedly rule the commercial breaks when they face off tonight at 8pm (EST) on TNT.

For Love and the Cavs themselves, this game represents the start of a four game homestand in the aftermath of Monday’s holiday massacre. Hopefully, some home cooking, along with the palate-cleansing domination of the Brooklyn Nets last night, will get the wine & gold family back on the right track. The Clippers present a more adult-sized challenge, having won 11 of their past 12 (including going 10-1 minus their All-Star PF, Blake Griffin). CP3 has been downright paternal, guiding his Clipper clan to the fourth best record in the West, while teaming up with his brother-from-another-mother, J.J. Reddick to form one of the best backcourts in the league lately. And, speaking of mothers… DeAndre Jordan has been able to drag down nine straight double doubles (even without a wig and a dress).

This is an important game for Cleveland to re-establish their home court dominance against a quality Western Conference team. If they can defend well, share the ball, and keep turnovers to a minimum, they should come out on the winning end of this “family affair.” And the Hooper’s “son” can show he’s grown enough that he doesn’t ever need to hear about the “Hawks and the Hornets” again. Prediction: Cavs help Kev stand up to his “parents,” 111-102.