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Cavs Weekly Preview
March 08, 2010 By Jeff Biasella
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March 8th vs San Antonio Spurs
This is the time of the year no one wants to play the Spurs. They aren't a sleeping giant or title contenders anymore but March is when Pavlov rings his bell. The Spurs have only missed the playoffs ONCE since ‘89/'90 but even that was back in the ‘96/'97 season. Yes they have injuries and they are getting older. But in order to reach the playoffs 19 out of the last 20 seasons means they've been beat up and old before. This is one of their must win games especially because of no Z, Shaq, and possibly LeBron. I wouldn't be shocked if the Spurs found a way to win even without Tony Parker.
It will be interesting to see how Mike Brown attacks the Spurs. I don't think Antawn can handle a power forward like Tim Duncan. I think you got to make him Andy's assignment all night. If Antwan goes against Keith Bogans at small forward it shouldn't be a problem. But Antawn can't keep up with athletic SF's like Richard Jefferson. JJ will be fine against Antonio McDyess or whoever the Spurs trot out at center. Whatever Mike Brown and Gregg Popovich's strategies are, one thing is for sure; both are happy to be playing each other. With the injuries both teams have, it's Miss-Match-Palooza against every other team except against each other.
March 12th vs Philadelphia 76ers
I really hate how Allen Iverson's career is ending. I watched some old YouTube clips of him last night and I think everyone forgets how at one point he was the best player in the NBA. No one could stop AI. He was also one of a handful of players ever who could shut down an opponent mentality. I love LeBron but he doesn't have that Allen Iverson stare; at least not yet. Kobe, D'Wade, and Durant don't have it either. I think the closest guy to AI in terms of raw defensive intimidation is probably Delonte. But he's no where even close to AI in terms of talent. He's just got the same blacktop attitude as AI.
As for the game, the Cavs should win pretty easily even without LeBron. They lost at Milwaukee because the Bucks are fighting for a playoff spot. The 76ers are fighting for a lottery spot. This is the time of year the "Have Not's" shut it down. Also as we've seen in years past, Eddie Jordan isn't exactly a great motivator when his teams are out of the hunt.
March 14th vs Boston Celtics
I can't wait for Antawn to go against KG. Last time we played them, Antawn was still getting his feet wet in Cleveland and only scored 9 points. I have a feeling this is going to be a huge game for him because KG can't guard one-on-one anymore. I think the Cavs match-up better without Shaq against KG V0.5 because KG's days of running the court are over with. Not to mention Rasheed "I'm not fat I'm big boned" Wallace get's winded from standing up during pre-game introductions.
Also if Mike Brown was smart, he'd put Delonte on Rondo all night. Rondo can't play against Delonte it's that simple. He's in Rondo's head and has the foot speed to match. Mo is a little slower and more methodical which is why Rondo runs circles around him. Delonte likes to post too which gets Rondo in foul trouble. So Mike, if you're listening, let the tiger out of the cage early because the Celtics can play with a lead. Wait...what am I saying? The Celtics will collapse in the 4th regardless of match-ups but now is the time to establish dominance. It's time to make it clear the Celtics aren't in the same league.
