- BLAZER'S GAME 9
Pre-Game Report


Where: The Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Blazers Record: 3-5
Cavs Record: 3-4
Cavaliers Scouting Report -





Team Leaders:
- Scoring: PF Donyell Marshall (19.4)
Rebounding: PF Donyell Marshall (10.3)
Assists: SF LeBron James (6.0)
Steals: PF Donyell Marshall (2.71)
Blocks: C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (1.43)
The King has definately struggled this year, along with the rest of his Cavaliers though 4 of the 5 starters (Marshall: 19.4 ppg, James: 17.8 ppg, Hughes: 16.3 ppg, Ilgauskas: 14.9 ppg) are putting up some numbers. Outside of James' all around ability, the Cavaliers roster is stout inside .. with a bit of shooting ability here and there beyond. They're a talented team, as big men Ilgauskas, Marshall (recently slowed with an injury but able to dress/play) and Gooden can all pound the boards, play Defense and score. Guards Larry Hughes, Eric Snow and rookie Shannon Brown are slashers who like to shoot inside the arc mostly. Shooters Damon Jones, David Wesley and Aleksandor Povlovic are the team's range.
Portland's Priorities -





Team Leaders:
- Scoring: SG Brandon Roy (18.0)
Rebounding: Magloire/Randolph (7.4)
Assists: SG Brandon Roy (4.0)
Steals: SG Brandon Roy (1.00)
Blocks: C LaMarcus Aldridge (0.63)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that can put points on the board in heaps from just about anywhere on the floor, and so the Blazers #1 priority when visiting The Quicken Loans Arena will be to get stops, rebound to reduce 2nd chances, and get the ball up the floor in a rush. The Cavs are a relatively solid with their inside presence, especially with the ability of James to drop down and play the #4 position at times Defensively, so scoring in the paint won't be as easy. Portland will look to capitalize off the Cavs mistakes/missed shots by running and getting on the board quickly. This game will be about possession and time, mostly. Smart shooting and carefully controlling the 24 clock. However as always, rebounding will be key. (and the Cavs have four fierce rebounders in the Big Z, Gooden, Marshall and Lebron James.Look For:
- The Blazers to allow Darius Miles to run the point at times, not because of what he'll bring on Offense or with scoring, but because he'll be a 5th tall body on the floor to help out on the glass on both ends of the floor.