Game 73: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons
By Zak Kolesar
Feb 12, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters (3) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons point guard Will Bynum (12) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cleveland won 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
LAST TIME OUT
With just 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-44, 12-24 away) came away with a hard-fought victory against the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night. The 102-100 win came in the absence of Kyrie Irving, who might miss the rest of the season with a strained tendon in his left biceps. Jarrett Jack and Dion Waiters were able to pave the way for a balanced Wine & Gold win, and contributions of all sorts came from a plethora of Cleveland players. Although Cleveland looks to be on the outside of the playoffs looking in, they’ve shown progress and have fought hard to win games that might prove to be meaningless victories in regards to the draft.
THIS TIME UP
The Opponent: Detroit Pistons
Record: 26-44 (15-21 home)
Tipoff: Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. – The Palace of Auburn Hills
Where you can watch: Fox Sports Ohio/NBA League Pass
Where you can listen: WTAM 1100
Previous Matchup: 93-89 Cavaliers win at The Palace of Auburn Hills – Feb. 12
Opponent’s Blog: Life On Dumars
Injury Report
Pistons: None
Cavaliers: PG Kyrie Irving (OUT, biceps), SG Sergey Karasev (DAY-TO-DAY, knee), SG C.J. Miles (DAY-TO-DAY, left ankle sprain)
Make Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe Comfortable
With Spencer Hawes becoming more acclimated with the Cavaliers by the game, this is going to be something that we’re going to be talking about for the final 10 games of the season. His long range and length forces opposing coaches to play a more flexible defender on him or force a big to step out of his comfort zone. I’m not sure whom the Pistons will throw at Hawes, but I’m sure this is going to be a favorable matchup for the Cavs’ starting center from the looks of the Pistons roster. It will either free Tristan Thompson, Tyler Zeller or Anderson Varejao up or leave Hawes open for a handful of attempts from beyond the arc. That could prove deadly for Detroit.
Prove that You’re Moving on Up
It’s unlikely that the Cavaliers will take part in the playoffs this season, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t prove that they’re no longer at the bottom of the Central Division anymore. Cleveland has been walloped by Detroit over the past few seasons, but now it’s time for the Cavaliers – without Kyrie Irving – to stake their claim and build some momentum heading into next season. A lot of people want Cleveland to tank at this point, but I’d rather see some pride on the floor. They’ve proven the latter as of late.
Dion Waiters – En Fuego
It’s true. Dion has been amazing since stepping into a starting role and carrying a heavier load with Kyrie out of the lineup. He’s been shooting very efficiently over the past five games (46.5 percent from the field), has capped 40 minutes in each contest and is averaging 23.8 points and 6.4 assists. And best of all, he’s been finishing extremely well at the rim and has wised up his shot selection. Even if Kyrie is out for the rest of the season, I believe Dion can carry this team the rest of the way. He’s sure shown it thus far.
Prediction
I’m going to say Cleveland goes on a little run here to end the season, and it continues with besting the Pistons. I’m predicting a big victory for the Wine & Gold, somewhere in the 10-15 point range.