The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't fared well against Western Conference teams, and they could be short-handed when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on the road Friday. The Cavaliers dropped to 2-5 against the West when their eight-game winning streak was snapped in a 103-94 loss at Oklahoma City on Thursday. The Pelicans understand how tough the West is — they're 10th in the conference despite being only one game below .500.
The Cavaliers played without LeBron James on Thursday because of a sore left knee and thought they might have lost fellow star Kyrie Irving to a knee injury late in the first half against the Thunder before the point guard came back for the second half. "It will definitely stiffen up on me, without a doubt, but I plan on playing (at New Orleans)," Irving told reporters. "It just depends on how it feels in the morning, but as of right now, I'm going to gut it out no matter what." The Pelicans are coming off a 112-107 loss at Dallas on Wednesday but are 6-2 at home including a 3-0 mark against the East.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (13-8): Cleveland obviously is better with James (24.8 points, 7.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds) in the lineup, but the supporting cast led by Irving (20.8 points, 5.1 assists) and Kevin Love (17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds) is quite capable. The Cavaliers showcased their depth against the Thunder, getting solid production off the bench from Dion Waiters (9.8 points) and Tristan Thompson (9.5 points, 7.1 rebounds). Matthew Dellavedova (5.0 points) started in James' place Thursday and led a fourth-quarter comeback, finishing with 14 points.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (10-11): New Orleans is building around star big man Anthony Davis (25.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.9 blocks), who is their anchor at both ends of the floor. The backcourt duo of Jrue Holiday (15.8 points, 6.8 assists) and Tyreke Evans (15.4 points, 5.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds) also has been productive, and Holiday is coming off a season-high 30 points against the Mavericks. Ryan Anderson (14.3 points, 5.4 rebounds) has struggled recently but lit up the Cavaliers for 32 points, including 8-for-12 from 3-point range, in a 118-111 loss in the first meeting this season.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Cleveland has won 11 straight games when topping 100 points and is 12-1 this season when hitting triple digits.
2. The Pelicans have led after three quarters in all 10 of their wins and are 0-8 when trailing entering the fourth.
3. James' teams are 19-26 in his career when he does not play.