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Time is not on the side of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their likely playoff starting lineup still hasn’t played a single minute together and there is just over two weeks left of the regular season. But with the added star power of Kevin Love, the Cavs are starting to gather momentum.
Having supporting players trickle into the lineup at this point may even be more beneficial than everybody at once. With Rodney Hood and Tristan Thompson possibly joining the team against the Phoenix Suns, the Cavs have an opportunity to build upon their momentum and integrate new parts.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (42-29) vs. Phoenix Suns (19-53)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland
Where on my eyeballs: Fox Sports Ohio, NBA League Pass
Cavs status update: Rodney Hood (Back - Questionable), Tristan Thompson (Ankle - Questionable), Kyle Korver (Excused by team for personal matter - Out), Cedi Osman (Hip - Out), Larry Nance Jr. (questionable - Out)
Suns status update: Devin Booker (Hand strain/Tanking - Questionable), TJ Warren (Knee Inflammation/Tanking - Questionable), Brandon Knight (Torn ACL/Probably legit - Out), Alan Williams (Meniscus - Out)
Promotion: The Cavaliers are running a Harvest for Hunger campaign at tonight’s game. If you are going to the game and are able to donate, I would encourage you to canned foods and non-perishable items at grocery cart collection bins located at the entrances at Quicken Loans Arena. If you aren’t going, but know somebody that is, give them a reminder that this promotion is happening tonight.
Let’s get this out of the way, the Phoenix Suns are not good. If Devin Booker is not playing, they essentially become the goat that gets released in the T-Rex cage in Jurassic Park. If Hood and Thompson do play, having a lesser opponent to figure things out against is a blessing.
The Cavs beat the Suns 129-107 last week and have won six straight games against the Suns overall.
Fear the Sword’s Fearless Preview:
I expect the Cavs to come out a little flat against the Suns, especially coming off the high of beating the Toronto Raptors. But even with a reduced effort level, the Cavs will likely pull away late and win 118-101.