Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Things to look for
CLEVELAND, Ohio – We're more than halfway past the 2014 exhibition season and what's concerning is health. The Cavaliers, like any other team, have had their share of nicks and bruises.
With the Dallas Mavericks coming to town, at this point, Cleveland just wants to make sure they make it out the game unscathed. Here are some things to look for.
1. Everybody ready?
For the first time since the opening preseason game, every Cavalier could be healthy and ready to play tonight. Cleveland has had an impressive start, but we have yet to see them in full force against an NBA opponent. What they've shown is that if a key contributor goes down, they have the roster composition to weather the storm. The big-3 needs time to gel with the regular season approaching.
2. Return of Kyrie Irving?
Kyrie Irving has sat out the team's last three preseason games as he recovers from a right ankle sprain. The team and Irving have stated that it's not serious and keeping him out has been for cautionary reasons. However, we're approaching the fifth preseason game and Irving, for the most part, hasn't been out there with the new starters gaining continuity and chemistry. It's important that he gets some significant burn as the exhibition season approaches a close. But then again, it is the preseason.
3. Kevin Love to rest?
LeBron James and Anderson Varejao have had a day off during this preseason. It would make all the sense in the world if Kevin Love were to sit this game out considering he suffered a "stiff neck" in Wednesday's game versus the Pacers and bang knees in Tuesday's match against the Bucks. Head coach David Blatt did say on Wednesday that he hopes Love will play.
4. Price gaining on Delly?
AJ Price is playing like he's not going to be content just making the squad as the team's third point guard. He is proving that he is capable of challenging Matthew Dellavedova for backup duties. Price's play of late has caught the attention of the coaching staff. Both guards have had their moments. It's no longer a one-man race.
Probable Starters:
Dallas Mavericks (1-2)
F Dirk Nowitzki
F Chandler Parsons
C Tyson Chandler
G Richard Jefferson
G Jameer Nelson
Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)
F Kevin Love
F LeBron James
C Tristan Thompson
G Dion Waiters
G Matthew Dellavedova
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