NBA Standings 2012: Cleveland Drops To Last Place In Central

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently on an abysmal seven-game losing streak, and with star rookie point guard Kyrie Irving on the shelf with a shoulder injury, the immediate future doesn't look very bright for a turnaround any time soon.

Because the Cavs have sputtered to just 1-9 over their last ten games, the role of last place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division now belongs solely to Cleveland at the moment. And with fellow Central non-contender Detroit playing inspired ball, it's going to take some serious work for the Cavs to not close out the year in last place.

Cleveland, sitting at 17-33 on the season, still has to play 16 more times before the year is out, but if the last few weeks are any indication then it might be a very, very long April for this inexperienced Cavs bunch. Other than a surprise three-game win streak that saw Cleveland steal a victory from Oklahoma City, the Cavs managed to win just one other game during the entire month of March.

With injuries and the inclusion of handfuls of D-League players now the theme for Cleveland basketball for the foreseeable future, the task of sweeping the Central basement looks like it will fall solely with the Cavaliers.

For more on the Cavs, head to Fear The Sword. For more NBA coverage, head to SB Nation's NBA hub page.

Cavaliers Vs. Knicks Final: New York Takes Care Of Irving-Less Cavs 91-75

The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped their seventh consecutive game on Saturday in a 91-75 loss to the New York Knicks, falling to 17-33 in the process.

Playing without star rookie Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, the Cavs shot just 15.4% from three-point range and posted a negative assist-to-turnover ratio (13:19) as a team in the loss.

After only scoring two points in Friday's blowout defeat at the hands of Milwaukee, Cleveland forward Antawn Jamison turned in yet another forgettable performance with 13 points on 5-for-15 shooting with four turnovers.

With the news that enigmatic guard Jeremy Lin is now expected to miss the remainder of the season, Knicks guard J.R. Smith stepped up his game and led the way in the scoring column for the Knicks. Smith produced a game-high 20 points in 34 minutes on the floor, in addition to hauling down nine rebounds and swiping five steals.

For more on the Cleveland Cavaliers, check out Fear The Sword. For more on the New York Knicks, head over to Posting And Toasting. You can also read more about the NBA at SB Nation's NBA hub.

Cavaliers Vs. Knicks: Cleveland May Have To Play New York Without Kyrie Irving

Cleveland heads to New York after a rough Friday loss to Milwaukee.