The Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and are trying to find the right combination of resting players and maintaining momentum for the postseason. The Detroit Pistons have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29)
G Kyrie Irving – 22.0 ppg, 5.0 apg
G J.R. Smith – 12.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 7.4 apg
F Kevin Love – 16.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 10.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg
Detroit Pistons (31-49)
G Reggie Jackson – 17.4 ppg, 9.2 apg
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – 12.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg
F Caron Butler – 5.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg
F Greg Monroe – 16.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg
C Andre Drummond – 13.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg
What to watch for:
How long will Cleveland's starters play?
The Cavs didn't play LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, or J.R. Smith in their loss to the Boston Celtics last night, giving them some rest in preparation for the postseason. Head coach David Blatt is working them back into the rotation tonight to try and keep Cleveland's momentum going in the postseason, but don't expect to see the Cavs' best players for much of this one.
Prediction: Cavs win 98-91
Even though there's nothing on the line in this one, Blatt has placed a lot of importance on maintaining continuity and momentum. Cleveland's starters won't play their usual minutes, but they will play enough to ensure they get a win.
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