Game 63 Preview: Bucks vs. Cavaliers
Category: Game Previews
| Milwaukee Bucks | Team | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Skiles | Coach | Byron Scott |
| 23-36 | Record | 12-51 |
| Michael Redd, Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova | Injuries/Inactive | Baron Davis, Antwan Jamison, Anderson Varejao, Semih Erdan, Daniel Gibson |
| 98.3 | Offensive Efficiency | 99.1 |
| 99.8 | Defensive Efficiency | 110.1 |
| Date | March 8, 2011 | |
| Time | 7:00 PM (CST) |
Enemy: Cavs: The Blog
Point Guard
Brandon Jennings vs. Ramon Sessions
The buzz around the internets the last few games surrounded Jennings positive performances while Andrew Bogut was down, and were concerned about the cohesion between the two players. When Bogut returned to the team yesterday against the Wizards, Jennings continued his strong play. He shot 50% from the field (!), and easily outplayed his rookie nemesis John Wall. Ramon Sessions is still trying to figure out whether or not he’s a great backup or a legit starter in the NBA. With the Cavaliers’ recent acquisition of Baron Davis, Sessions has got to continue his strong play to keep his starting job. Sessions will start at least one more game, as Baron Davis will not play tonight due to the death of his grandmother. Look fo Sessions to be aggressive on his former home court.
Advantage: Bucks
Shooting Guard
John Salmons vs. Anthony Parker
Anthony Parker was one of those names that was mentioned in every trade rumor the Cavs were involved in, and yet he remains a Cav, even after Jamario Moon and Mo Williams were sent packing. Parker is averaging 9p/3r/3a on the year and for the most part doesn’t pretend that he can contribute more. John Salmons had a great outing against the Wizards with 22 points on 7-14 shooting, and usually strings together a few games to get your hopes up before regressing to his real self. Expect one more strong night from Salmons, then give him a week or three before you judge him again.
Advantage: Bucks
Small Forward
Carlos Delfino vs. Alonzo Gee
I had no idea who Alonzo Gee was until I started writing this post. His season averages are as anonymous as his name (4p/3r). Delfino has been an enigma all season. After disappearing for months with a concussion, he’s about as inconsistent as they come. Still, when Delfino’s shot is falling, the Bucks are hard to stop. Delfino hasn’t scored more than 20 points since February 14th, so my crystal ball says he’s due.
Advantage: Bucks
Power Forward
Luc Mbah a Moute vs. Samardo Samuels
Much like Alonzo Gee, I had to Google Samuels to find out who he actually was. Unlike Gee, however, Samuels has made the most of his starters minutes, averaging 15p/8r in his last four games. Moute played like a man possessed against Boston on Sunday, only to mail in a near goose egg performance last night. I was beginning to think Moute was starting his free agency push, but am not yet convinced that he’ll ever become more than a defensive stopper. But hey, if he can slow down LeBron James, he should be able to handle Samuels, right?
Advantage: Bucks
Center
Andrew Bogut vs. J.J. Hickson
Hickson was regarded as a key piece in the future of the Cleveland franchise. With LeBron James gone, Hickson was given the keys to the city. Well, the keys got lost in the couch.Hickson is averaging 13p/8r this season, which would be great if he were the fourth option on this Cavalier team. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Hickson was supposed to be option 1, 2, or 3. He hasn’t stepped up the way many anticipated he would. He’ll have his hands full against the (healthy?) Aussie tonight.
Advantage: Bucks
Bench
Corey Maggette, Keyon Dooling, Earl Boykins, Larry Sanders, Earl Barron and Jon Brockman
vs.
Christian Eyenga, Joey Graham, Luke Harangody, Manny Harris and Ryan Hollins
The Cavs are as short handed as the Bucks. And tonight without Baron Davis, the Cavs are actually more short handed than the Bucks. If Milwaukee can’t capitalize on the easy ones, they don’t belong in the playoff conversation. Remember, the Bucks are only 2.5 games back from the eighth seed.
Advantage: Bucks
Prediction: Bucks 102 – Cavs 87
Cleveland’s biggest stars aren’t playing, and the Bucks are coming off an encouraging win in Washington D.C. I don’t normally make predictions, but my optimist season ticket holder right-brain is telling me that this one is already in the bank. As long as Ramon Sessions doesn’t pull a double-nickel on the Bucks.
Related Posts :
Loading ...
