With only 16 games remaining, the Cavaliers are in a fight for the finish line. Their solid finish is what led to last nights 97-93 win over Sacramento, and the Cavs are looking for no less tonight against the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers have not won a game against the Cavs at home since January 17th of 2007. Needless to say, the Cavs were a much different team back then.
Portland is getting a huge lift in its push for the Western Conference playoffs with the return of guard Brandon Roy. He may not be the Brandon Roy of old, with limited minutes and limited range, but his presence on the floor opens up holes for his teammates. Roy scored 21 points in just under 28 minutes in the Trailblazers win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
Roy has burned the Cavaliers in the past, averaging 22 points per game on the nose in seven games. In the past, he has wrecked havoc in the Cavs back court with more than one and a half steals per competition. With his return, a strong season by youngster Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge, and the acquirement of forward Gerald Wallace, Portland is feeling good about its future.
As for the Wine and Gold, they may get a returning effort from point guard Baron Davis, who left the team to attend to his family in Los Angeles. Guard Ramon Sessions and forward Luke Harangody will try repeat performances of last night, when they scored 20 and 15 points respectively.