Next Please
By Cody Norman
The Cavaliers carry their eleven game win streak back into the Q to take on the 4-46 New Jersey Nets.
And here’s how the two teams matchup:
Devin Harris v. Daniel Gibson
Devin Harris is enjoying another solid season as far as individual statistics are concerned. The New Jersey point guard averages better than 15 points and 6 assists a night. Nate Robinson exposed Daniel Gibson’s defensive weaknesses the other night for the Knicks so I expect Harris to do the same thing on Tuesday night.
Boobie has been playing very good basketball for the Cavs since West and Williams went down with injuries so I do want to give credit where credit is due. Gibson continues to light it up from beyond the arc so I do expect him to get his fair share of points against Harris as well.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee v. Anthony Parker
It must be really tough to go from best team in the East in 2009 to the laughingstock of the NBA in 2010 but Courtney Lee has to do it. More power to him! He is putting up rather solid numbers for the Nets with 11.3 points a night but his defensive presence has been key for the Nets in their four victories this season. The problem is Cleveland has two sharp shooters camping out at the three point line just itching to catch and shoot. I keep waiting for AP to have one of those nights where he just goes off but it’s just not happenin’. Maybe he’s saving it for the playoffs? Either way, he’s still the better all around player in this matchup.
Advantage: Anthony Parker
Jarvis Hayes v. LeBron James
As the Nets continue to struggle, Jarvis Hayes and Devin Harris tried playing a little football last night against the Pistons. Harris and Hayes collided on a loose ball and both players went down before being helped back into the locker room. That shot from Harris should be the least of Hayes’ worries because he’s got to go up against TheBron on Tuesday night. And LeBron relishes a little contact.
The King has played a ridiculous brand of basketball for the Cavs and, most recently, went for 47 against the Knicks on Saturday evening. I don’t expect LeBron to notch 47 tonight because, let’s face it, he needs to save up a little bit for that big game against Orlando on Thursday. I’m callin’ like 46 maybe?
Advantage: King James
Yi Jianlian v. JJ Hickson
Yi Jianlian is going to be a tough assignment for JJ Hickson simply because he has the ability to step out and knock down the open jump shots (kind of like Big Z—just not that good). He’s averaging about 13.5 points a night for the Nets to go along with 6.7 rebounds. But Hickson has been playing very well as of late. He’s been very active on the defensive end and has found his niche on the offensive side of the ball. Of course, that’s a little easier when you’ve got TheBron on your side.
I’m going to have to give this one to JJ just because of the effort that he’s given lately—I’ve been impressed.
Advantage: JJ Hickson
Brook Lopez v. Shaquille O’Neal
After getting yacked on by Jason Maxiell last night, Brook Lopez has an even tougher assignment on Tuesday night. His 19 points and 9 rebounds a night are rather solid, especially for a second year player. But his 265 pound frame is no match for Shaqtimus Prime. O’Neal will contain Lopez on the defensive end and he’ll just be a big bully on offense. Enjoy that, Brook.
Advantage: Shaqtimus Prime
Cavs Win 109-91
And, with the win, Cleveland will have won three times as many games during their win streak as New Jersey has won all season long. OUCH!