Cavaliers at Wizards
THE STORY: The point guard showdown between the two most recent top overall picks might have to wait – at least until Kyrie Irving’s health improves. Irving made the trip with the Cleveland Cavaliers to Washington for Saturday’s game against the Wizards, but remains questionable with an illness that forced him to miss Friday’s home loss to the Chicago Bulls. Irving went No. 1 overall to the Cavaliers last summer and the Wizards selected John Wall first overall in 2010. Both teams are struggling – the Cavs have dropped four straight and the Wizards have lost six in a row.
TV: 7 p.m., Fox Sports Ohio, Comcast Sports Net
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (13-21): Coach Byron Scott threatened to make changes to his starting lineup after the Cavs were smashed by 21 points at home Friday against the Bulls. Center Semih Erden seems the most likely to be replaced. Cleveland’s defense has deteriorated in each of the last two games, allowing 38-point quarters to both the New York Knicks and Bulls. If Irving is unable to play, Ramon Sessions will start in his place. Sessions is averaging 17.8 points and 11 assists in four starts this season.
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (7-28): Andray Blatche is expected to make his long-awaited return after missing more than a month with a strained calf. With Nick Young and Rashard Lewis both sidelined due to knee injuries, Blatche is coming back at just the right time. He picked the right opponent, too. While coach Randy Wittman said he’ll slowly ease him back into the rotation, Blatche had 36 points and 19 rebounds in a victory over the Cavaliers late last season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Wizards are just 4-14 at home this season, but the Cavs are 5-10 on the road.
2. This is the second of a five-game homestand for the Wizards that spans 11 days.
3. Wall averaged 19.2 points and 8.6 assists during the month of February.