Philly @ Cleveland - April 4th

[Hurl Bruce]

Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (34-38)

Tuesday, April 4, 2006
7:00pm ET
Radio : WTAM 1100
TV: FSOhio, NBATV
Quicken Loans Arena ​

Probable Starters

Eric Snow / Allen Iverson

Flip Murray / Kevin Ollie

LeBron James / Andre Iguodala

Drew Gooden / Chris Webber

Zydrunas Ilgauskas / Samuel Dalembert​

Game Notes

- The Cavaliers will finally be getting the services of Larry Hughes back. There is no telling what extent, if any, the action that Hughes will receive. He is currently listed as 'Doubtful'.

-The Cavaliers are currently on an eight game win streak.

Keys To The Game

-It is hard to tell whether Eric Snow will get the assignment of guarding his old running mate in Allen Iverson or if Flip Murray will get the first shot.

-As much as AI plays well against the entire league, it seems that Chris Webber saves some of his best games for the Cavaliers. If his outside shot is falling, then he is a matchup nightmare for the Cavaliers. Mike Brown must figure out a defensive scheme to limit CW's game.

-Lebron will be paired up, most likely, with athletic Iguodala. James must be patient with his game and take the ball to the hoop strongly just has he has been doing of late. When he falls in love with the jumper is when Lebron's game, and the teams' game, suffers.

-Overall defense will be a priority against one of the top scoring teams in the league. The Sixers will try to outscore you, and the Cavaliers will be better off trying to slow down the game to limit the opportunities AI and company have on the court.


Prediction: Cleveland 105, Philly 94

 

[PIP]

Hopefully the Cavs can prevent Webber from looking like Karl Malone in this one..The guy kills us every time...

 

[cdt]

Because Drew can't grasp the concept of getting a hand in his face and making defensive rotations. You can't sit there and let him shoot jumpshots all night and you can't give him the hookshot either..I have a bad feeling about tomorrow.

 

[RuanuLaw]

So....Kevin Ollie is starting. How bout dat....

 

[highplainsdrifter]

Im not one for a highly intellectual analysis of the game (my BBall IQ is lower than some). However, AI will play with heart, and the Cavs must match that energy, like the Italian Stallion from Philadelphia...

If the Cavs play like Rocky would, they will win!

 

[The Oi]

Any updates on Larry's status???

God, I want him playing again!!

 

[CleveRocks]

Ollie is the open wound in the 76'ers line up. That is why we will see some Flip Murray/Larry Hughes/Lebron line up tonight, probably with Marshall instead of Drew to bring Webber outside. If our guards can hang within 20 of their guards we will win this game.

 

[TheAdmin]

Any updates on Larry's status???

God, I want him playing again!!

He's been upgraded to 50/50. He's currently getting his finger checked one last time. If there is no swelling he will play tonight with a protective sleeve over his finger.

 

[PIP]

Larry be ballin' 2night :headbang:

 

[Rimage]

Z with an ankle twist...didn't look too bad, but he went to the lockeroom anyway. Hope he is okay.

 

[The George]

he looked ok walking under his on power without much of a limp.....it was tough to see him go down like that though...i pray he is ok........great start other than that.....playing good D and rebounding well and offense looks really good...so far......cant wait to see Larry come out onto the court

 

[Rimage]

he looked ok walking under his on power without much of a limp.....it was tough to see him go down like that though...i pray he is ok........great start other than that.....playing good D and rebounding well and offense looks really good...so far......cant wait to see Larry come out onto the court

I actually wouldn't mind see Z just take some time off. We don't really have worry about our playoff position. Remember after the All-star break when Z had a week of rest. He came back and look almost nimble :chuckles:

But, I want Z to be okay more than anything.

 

[The George]

exactly....as long as he is ok than let him have a night or two off....I just hope he is not hurt

 

[natedagg]

WAIT!! STOP THE PRESS! KEVIN OLLIE MADE A JUMPER!! just tuned in btw, so if he made one before, then the sky must be falling.

 

[The George]

Z Update.....Left Ankle sprain and he will not return