The Cleveland Cavaliers absolutely dismantled the Washington Wizards 127-89 in their first game after the All-Star break, and are looking to continue that hot streak against the New York Knicks, who lost 111-87 to the Miami Heat on Friday.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (34-22)
G Kyrie Irving – 21.8 ppg, 5.4 apg
G J.R. Smith – 12.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg
F LeBron James – 26.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 7.3 apg
F Kevin Love – 16.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 10.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg
New York Knicks (10-44)
G Langston Galloway –11.6 ppg, 4.6 apg
G Jose Calderon – 9.3 ppg, 4.7 apg
F Cleanthony Early – 3.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg
F Jason Smith – 8.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg
F Lou Amundson – 5.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg
What to watch for:
How will J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert play in their return to New York?
There isn't a lot of intrigue in this matchup, but it is the first time these two teams have played since they made the trade that sent J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland. Both guys have had an increased amount of success with the Cavs, and it'll be interesting to see if they play with any added motivation.
Prediction: Cavs win 116-84
The Cavs are playing like the team we all thought they would be at the beginning of the season, and the Knicks are experimenting with their roster instead of playing to win. Cleveland will control this one from the start and win in blowout fashion.
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