The Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats are familiar with each other already in this short season. These two teams met as recently as January 3rd, with the Cavs taking the win in an offense filled slugfest, 115-101. Rookie Kyrie Irving helped the Cavs out tremendously in that one and they're going to need his services again for sure, just as they have all season so far.

The Cavs need a win badly tonight against a beatable team like the Bobcats after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday to sneak them back under .500. The Cavs' record is currently 5-6, good for third in the Central behind the Chicago Bulls and the surprising Indiana Pacers. Even in the weak Eastern conference with a shortened season, it's likely that .500 will be a record to shoot for when it comes to the fringe playoff teams, a category that Cleveland are likely to be contending for come season's end.

This is an early one, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, so make sure you don't miss it by coming in late!

For Charlotte coverage, go to Rufus On Fire; you can find Cavs coverage at Fear The Sword.