We're kicking off the final week of the season with a familiar foe: the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs don't seem to have much to play for except momentum. Last week, they clinched their first playoff appearance sine 1998 without LeBron James on the roster. They're also effectively locked into the 4th seed. With four games left, they're sitting 3.5 games behind Philly and 3 games in front of the Knicks.

But motivation comes in many forms and we shouldn't expect them to take it easy. Perhaps they'll be motivated by winning the season series, which currently sits at 2-1 in the Cavs' favor. Perhaps they're still sore about David West putting Moondog in the hospital with a crisp 1-2 up top and a vicious 3 to the body.

At the time West claimed he "[felt] bad the dude got hurt" and that he "thought [he] was just hitting the costume." Did the Cavs buy his apology? Do we? I'm posting the video below, you be the judge on whether revenge could be on the minds of Cavs players tonight.

As far as the Pacers go, Haliburton is out again, which means we should expect another glimpse at the all-rookie backcourt pairing of Nembhard and Mathurin. Myles Turner is questionable, but the only question I have is "why?" Do we gain anything by playing him? (Ok technically that's two questions, leave me alone).

Last week Rick Carlisle said that they were going to use the final games to "look at some things" and so far that's meant extended minutes for young players. Unfortunately Duarte and Brown are still ailing and unable to take part in the "don't lose faith in me" showcase.

Without Turner and Haliburton in the lineup we're 8-22, so it's fair to expect us to get back to losing after Friday's thrilling win vs OKC. But as I stated in the game recap, write off TJ McConnell and his disciples at your own peril. He may just f-around and put up another near triple double off the bench.

Around the League

I'll point you to Tony East's twitter which succinctly captures what you should be keeping an eye on in the standings.

Updates

  • Myles is officially out
  • The Bulls won, therefore a loss tonight eliminates us from the playoffs
  • Portland won, so a loss tonight would move us within a half game of the 5th worst record.

Game Info

Time: 8:00 PM EST

Location: Rocket Mortgage Field House, Cleveland, OH

Broadcast: Bally Sports/League Pass

Radio: 93.5 FM/107.5 FM

Tagged in:

Game Thread