Cavs-Hawks Preseason Game Preview

MONDAY, OCT. 10

? 7:30 PM EST
? @PhilipsArena, Atlanta, GA
? @FOXSportsOH
? @wtam1100, @WMMS, y La Mega 87.7FM

– Cavs (2-0, preseason): Cleveland’s defending NBA champions are riding a two game winning streak after their down-to-the-wire 108-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The Cavaliers have managed to hold serve in their first two NBA Preseason matchups inside Quicken Loans Arena. Now, with the road calling, Cleveland travels to The Peach State in hopes of scoring their third win.

After Saturday night’s victory over the Sixers, Cleveland Head Coach Tyronn Lue announced that he’ll rest most of the Cavs’ starting lineup in Atlanta.

Coach Lue’s decision to rest the starters opens the door of opportunity for players like DeAndre Liggins, Jordan McRae, Toney Douglas, Dahntay Jones, and rookie Kay Felder, who are all vying for a coveted back-up roll on the Cavs’ roster.

Tonight’s game should be just the spotlight they’ll need to further prove their worth to Cleveland’s coaching staff and executives.

Jordan McRae finished Saturday night’s win over the Sixers with yet another impressive performance, notching a game-high 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes of playing time.

McRae spoke with the media in a post-win locker room, saying:

“I’m in the position, man, that wherever coach Lue wants me at, I’ll do it. If I’ve got to play some five, I’ll be at the five.”

Will Cleveland’s young camp invites continue to impress the coaching staff?

* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(G) Kay Felder (5′-9″, 176 lbs)
(G) DeAndre Liggins (6′-6″, 209 lbs)
(F) Jordan McRae (6′-6″, 185 lbs)
(F) Dahntay Jones (6′-6″, 225 lbs)
(F) Cory Jefferson (6′-9″, 218 lbs)

* Cavaliers injury report *

– (F/C) Tristan Thompson (foot soreness): Out
– (G) John Holland (back): Questionable
– (PG) Kyrie Irving (rest)
– (SG) Iman Shumpert (rest)
– (SF) LeBron James (rest)
– (PF) Kevin Love (rest)
– (G/F) Mike Dunleavy (rest)
– (SF) Richard Jefferson (rest)
– (PF/C) Channing Frye (rest)

– Atlanta (1-1, pre-season): After their disappointing 102-91 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday night, the Hawks are now set to host the defending champs for their third preseason game of the 2016-17 NBA campaign.

Tonight’s match-up inside Philips Arena is being dubbed the “Unity Game”. Joe Vardon of www.cleveland.com reports on the event, saying:

“Both Hawks and Cavs players have filmed videos which will be aired throughout the event explaining what unity, inclusion, and civil rights mean to them.”

Atlanta will have a bit of a new look heading into this season. Dwight Howard will be posted on the low block for the Hawks at the center position, while former Cavs player, Jarrett Jack, hopes to bolster Atlanta’s point guard depth.

It is Howard’s first preseason game in front of his hometown fans since signing with the Hawks.

* Hawks projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(G) Dennis Schroder (6′-1″, 172 lbs)
(G) Kyle Korver (6′-7″, 212 lbs)
(F) Kent Bazemore (6′-5″, 201 lbs)
(F) Mike Muscala (6′-11″, 240 lbs)
(C) Dwight Howard (6′-11″, 265 lbs)

Like alot of NBA teams, Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer and his staff are dealing with injuries to their rotation.

* Hawks injury report *

– (PG) Dennis Schröder (ankle): Questionable
– (PG) Jarrett Jack (right knee/ACL): Out
– (PF) Paul Millsap (knee): Out
– (PF) Mike Scott (knee soreness): Questionable
– (PF/C) Tiago Splitter (right hamstring strain): Questionable

* All stats and information via www.basketball-reference.com, www.rotoworld.com, www.nba.com, www.espn.com, Elias Sports Bureau, and The Associated Press *