Game #77 Charlotte Bobcats @ Cleveland Cavaliers 7:00 ET

[MoGottiFor3]

This game will also be broadcasted on NBA TV.

For the Charlotte Bobcats, it’s a playoff game. For the Cavaliers, it’s considerably less important than that -- but you can expect them to treat it like their own personal postseason anyway.

"At this point, the teams we are playing, we can be the ‘upset team,’ and knock people out of playoff seeding and also out of playoff contention,” said Cavs guard Baron Davis.

The Bobcats are one such team. They trail eighth-place Indiana by two games with six to go. So it’s important for them to win games like the one tonight in Cleveland (7 p.m., FOX Sports Ohio).

And don’t think the Cavs have any intention of lending the Bobcats a helping hand. Anyone who saw how the Cavs fought the Bobcats to the finish last week in Charlotte understands that.

Last week in Charlotte, Bobcats forward Dominic McGuire may have saved his team’s season by getting his finger on a last-second shot by Cavs guard Anthony Parker -- allowing the Bobcats to escape with a one-point win.

Most amazingly, the Bobcats had to “escape” after shooting a sizzling 56 percent from the field and getting the performance of a lifetime from forward Boris Diaw (26 points, 11-for-16 shooting).

“We’ll need more toughness in the interior,” said Cavs coach Byron Scott. “Diaw is a pretty good player, but I don’t consider him a great player.”

In other words, if the Cavs (15-61) hope to gain another victory, they can’t allow guys such as Diaw to play like they’re Larry Bird.

That is why, as much as the Cavs are aiming to play the spoiler role, their biggest priority is finding out what might be in store for next year.

“We have to worry more about us and not so much about anyone else,” Davis said. “We've got to concentrate on just giving it our all for these last six games and forming the chemistry we need.”

Erdin healing

Semih Erden participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage after practice Monday, and Scott is hopeful the 6-foot-11 center can partake in real live action before the season ends.

Erden has missed all but one game with a hip abductor since coming over from Boston in a late-February trade. Scott also cited conditioning as a reason Erden has been out.

During the scrimmage, Erden displayed strong ball-handling skills and a nice touch near the basket.

“The progression of him getting to this point has been slow but good,” Scott said. “You can tell his wind isn't there, his conditioning isn't really there. But it’s a good thing for us to just see him out here partaking in that situation.”

Samuels update

Cavs forward Samardo Samuels suffered torn ligaments in his right wrist last week’s game against Atlanta, but said he would like to continue to play.

That’s mostly because Samuels, an undrafted rookie, knows there are no guarantees for playing time beyond this season.

“Opportunity comes but once,” Samuels said. “You never know what next year brings. Why not take full advantage of it? A lot of people would like to be in the position I’m in right now. If I can even play a little bit, I’m going to play.”

Samuels conceded the wrist is often sore, even when playing. It also might require off-season surgery.

“It forces me to be more fundamentally sound so I don’t really hurt it,” he said.

Injury report

Bobcats leading scorer Stephen Jackson (hamstring) is expect to miss tonight's game. Also out for Charlotte are center Tyrus Thomas (ribs and knee), guard Shaun Livingston (back) and forward Eduardo Najera (back).

 

[MoGottiFor3]

ABJCavsInsider

Twan told Eyenga today he steps into shot in practice, steps sideways during games. Jent told him that in fall, Eyenga didn't listen. #Cavs

ABJCavsInsider

Semih Erden (groin) won't play tonight or travel to Toronto tomorrow, but BScott optimistic he'll play for #Cavs again before season ends

http://twitter.com/ABJCavsInsider

 

[Rich]

http://twitter.com/ABJCavsInsider

Eh, Lloyd words that in a way that makes Eyenga sound like he was not listening because he either didn't care or thought Jent was wrong. Wonder if that's really it or if it's just something that is hard to change and takes time to work out. When you do something in practice one way and in a game another, it isn't because you are meaning to.

 

[Rondo]

maybe eyenga didnt "listen" because at the beginning of the season he didnt know damn english

 

[dcm226]

HAHAHA! Baron came out when they announced AP.

 

[Hydroponic3385]

Fucking NBA TV broadcast? Seriously? Ugh such a waste when I pay for League Pass but then they are shown on a channel I don't get!

 

[dcm226]

Here come the TO's again.

 

[dcm226]

I like JJ's hustle tonight.

 

[dcm226]

HAHAHAHA!!


Fred: "JJ uses his left hand for a lot of things".

 

[dcm226]

WOW. The Bobcats look like SHIT.


EWW I can smell it from here.

 

[Cavatt]

wow, Gee looking good. I think his defense might be good enough to keep him.

 

[Hydroponic3385]

Of couse ATDHE doesn't have a link and no one has posted one on here. Ugh the one game I can't get on TV, we're up 18-5. :chuckles:

 

[Cavatt]

Did fans choose this game?

 

[melecoaze]

oh man we're reaching the t-wolves, not good

 

[dcm226]

The Bobcats better get our balls out of there mouth. They are sucking to hard.