Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards: Showdown in Cincinnati

The Cleveland Cavaliers try to continue their winning ways during preseason. Two young, hungry teams face off in Cincinnati tonight!

Who? Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers

When? 7:00 PM Eastern

Where? U.S. Bank Arena -- Cincinnati, OH

Where on my eyeballs? Fox Sports Ohio

Video? The Wizards are in the second night of a back to back. Preseason back to backs might be the dumbest idea in all of sports. With a week until the games start to count. At this point I bet both teams are starting to feel like this when it comes to the preseason:

Austin Powers The Spy Who shagged me - "prepare to die powers" (via CurleyFrys)

Dear preseason... Why won't you die!?!

Probable starters

Cavaliers:

PG - Jarrett Jack

SG - Kyrie Irving

SF - Alonzo Gee

PF - Tristan Thompson

C - Anderson Varejao

Wizards:

PG - John Wall

SG - Bradley Beal

SF - Trevor Ariza

PF - Trevor Booker

C - Nene (Keep in mind Nene is a little older and this is a preseason back to back. There's a chance the Wizards sit him to keep him fresh for the regular season)

What to watch for the Wizards

The backcourt tandem of John Wall and Bradley Beal is going to be compared to Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters for many years to come. While unfortunately Dion will not be playing tonight, we still get to see how Wall and Beal are progressing and a better feel for one of the Cavalier's main competitors for a one of the bottom playoff spots.

I'm curious to see how the SF rotation looks for the Wizards. While it appears that Ariza has the job for now, there seem to be quite a few Wizards fans who are upset with this choice and would prefer to see Martell Webster or Otto Porter take his place. Otto Porter won't be playing tonight, as he has a hip flexor injury. But it'll be interesting to see how the minutes are divided among Ariza and Webster, as well as how the team looks with each of them on the court.

What to watch for the Cavaliers

Like the Wizards the Cavaliers have their own SF competition. It'll be interesting to see if Alonzo Gee can continue his strong play and continue to play within himself, as well as the system. If not we will need to see if Earl Clark can stop pressing and put together a strong enough case to deserve a look again at the starting SF position.

It's interesting to see that Mike Brown will start Jarrett Jack at point guard and start Kyrie at shooting guard. Jack has missed some time with a knee injury and this probably just a creative way to get him some more reps alongside Kyrie.

I'm also looking to see if the starting unit for the Cavaliers continues to get extended looks. This is around the time in the preseason where coaches start to play rotations that look similar to what we'll see in the regular season. Can Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson continue to show the growth in their games and come out with another strong performance? Can Anthony Bennett continue to show improved decision making and cut down on his fouls? Is friend of the blog CJ Miles going to come through on his promise and knock down his open looks?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/DavidZavac">@DavidZavac</a> oh I did .. Just had to Many WIDE open look from 3 rattle out on me .. Means shot is a lil flat .. Will be fixed tomorrow</p>&mdash; C.J. Miles (@masfresco) <a href="https://twitter.com/masfresco/statuses/392511782453268480">October 22, 2013</a></blockquote>

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Unfortunately the Cavs will be without Zeller, Bynum, Felix and Karasev tonight. But one man's injury is another man's opportunity. Hopefully we see another strong showing out of the wine and gold tonight. Go Cavs.