Cavs – Rockets game day notes

Tuesday, November 1st, 2016

WHEN: 6:00 PM EST

WHERE: @TheQArena, Cleveland, Ohio

WATCH: @FOXSportsOH, @NBATV

LISTEN: @WMMS 100.7 FM, y La Mega 87.7FM

– Cavaliers (3-0, 1st in Central): After besting the Orlando Magic on Saturday night (105-99), the Cavaliers find themselves riding a three-game winning streak.

Cleveland led by as many as 22 points in the first half of Saturday’s victory. However, in the second half, the Magic decided to make a serious run at the defending NBA champs. As time on the game clock waned, the Cavs saw their big lead trimmed to just three points.

Enter J.R. Smith…

Each time Orlando made a run, Smith answered with heart-breaking accuracy from the three-point line. In fact, 11 of Smith’s 16 points came in the fourth quarter alone.

Cavs Head Coach Tyronn Lue spoke to members of the media with regards to Smith’s performance after Saturday’s win, saying:

“He’s giving everything he’s got, he’s diving on the floor for loose balls, he’s in passing lanes, he’s blowing up screens. He’s playing hard. If there’s any way you want to get in shape, you’ve got to play hard, and that’s what he’s been doing.”

In a post-win locker room, Cavs forward Kevin Love had high praise for Smith as well, saying:

“J.R. is the lifeblood of our team. It wouldn’t run like it does without J.R. He’s a special player for us.”

On a side note, Cleveland has now defeated Orlando in 15 consecutive match-ups.

Tonight, the Cavs will look to keep their winning momentum rolling inside Quicken Loans Arena, where they’ll host the Houston Rockets.

With Game 6 of The World Series taking place just across the street from The Q, tip-off for tonights Cavs game has been rescheduled for 6:00 PM EST instead of its originally scheduled 7:10 PM EST start. Doors to the arena will open at 4:30 PM EST.

CLE, we fought hard to move @cavs tip to 6pm tomorrow so you wouldn't be torn. @cavs game should end by 2nd inning. Can't wait, @Indians!

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) October 31, 2016

After the Cavs game, patrons still in attendance at The Q will be permitted to stay and watch the Cleveland Indians on the new “Humongotron” big-screen as they host the Chicago Cubs. First pitch at Progressive Field is slated for 8:08 PM EST.

Also, if you're @TheQArena tomorrow, stick around to watch the @Indians Game 6 World Series game LIVE on the @HUMONGOTRON! #RallyTogether

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) October 31, 2016

* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Kyrie Irving (6′-3″, 193 lbs)

(SG) J.R. Smith (6′-6″, 225 lbs)

(SF) LeBron James (6′-8″, 250 lbs)

(PF) Kevin Love (6′-10″, 251 lbs)

(PF) Tristan Thompson (6′-10″, 238 lbs)

* Cavaliers injury report *

– (None to report)

– Rockets (2-1, 2nd in Southwest): In their home-opener on Sunday night, Houston defeated the Dallas Mavericks (93-92), led by James Harden’s 28-point performance.

Houston Head Coach Mike D’Antoni likes to run a spread offense, and his players seem to have bought in to that philosophy.

Coach D’Antoni reflected on his team’s recent performances with members of the media, saying:

“It’s so so, we have ebbs and flows, we can do better. It’s not just James (Harden). It’s the wings pulling, the bigs running and getting into stuff quick. It’s inbounding the ball to James quick. It’s everybody.”

After Monday’s practice, Rockets forward Trevor Ariza spoke with ESPN’s Calvin Watkins about his upcoming task of guarding LeBron James, saying:

“The only thing you think about when LeBron is coming at you is if you want to win or not. If you want to win, your going to step in front of him and take a charge. That’s how I play.”

* Rockets projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) James Harden (6′-5″, 220 lbs)

(SG) Eric Gordon (6′-4″, 215 lbs)

(SF) Trevor Ariza (6′-8″, 215 lbs)

(PF) Ryan Anderson (6′-10″, 240 lbs)

(C) Clint Capela (6′-10″, 240 lbs)

* Rockets injury report *

– (PG) Patrick Beverly (knee): Out

– (SG) James Harden (ankle): Probable

* 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 *