:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49183885/usa-today-9059250.0.jpg)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting the Rockets for their first game since Saturday's easy win against the New York Knicks. LeBron James won't be suiting up for the Cavaliers, as he's getting the night off. LeBron had been carrying the Cavs with strong play, and the team obviously hurts without him.
The Rockets have continued their very, very dumb season and sit at 36-38 on the year. They're fighting with Utah and Dallas for one of that last two seeds in the West playoff race, so they should be motivated. Should is not a word that has motivated the Rockets much so far this year, so who knows.
Who: Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Where to watch: TNT
Enemy Blog: The Dream Shake
Music: Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
What to Watch For:
- The Cavaliers actually played pretty well the last time LeBron was out in a win against the Mavericks. There were moments where the offense dwindled into nothingness, but it was an altogether encouraging game. The Rockets are in similar class to Dallas, and have experience losing to teams without their best player (The Warriors beat them without Steph a few months ago.)
- Kevin Love had a great game against the Knicks, and if his jumper stays on point, it would do wonders for the Cavaliers offense.
- Channing Frye is mired in a bit of a shooting slump. He's 1-14 in his last three games from three. One would expect those numbers to bounce back up shortly.
- Can the Cavaliers run? The Rockets are pretty brutal in transition defense, and it all starts with their floor balance. Oftentimes, a Rockets player will put a shot up and there will be three of his teammates between the baseline and their own free throw line. Sending only one guy back to stop transition opportunities is just not enough, and the Rockets give up a ton of two-on-ones and three-on-ones due to their negligence. Also, they don't run back.
Fear the Sword's Fearless Prediction:
I think the Rockets are going to win this one, because LeBron James isn't playing. However, there's a real chance they don't try, cause, y'know, Rockets.
Rockets 107, Cavaliers 103.
Editor's note: this article originally made reference to a singer who has been romantically linked to Kyrie Irving. Given the seriousness of her situation, we've removed it.