Oden v. LeBron
This isn’t a case of throwing up a game with the best combined team winning percentages and hoping it sticks. There are some interesting things going on with both squads that are worth looking at.
Greg Oden came alive against the Bucks on Monday, staying active and aware off the ball on both ends, and even his teammates went on the record after the win in commenting about his improved mood. Athletes usually won’t tell you their locker room is burning even if the stall nameplates are melting off the wall, so for Brandon Roy to mention GO’s “attitude” … that’s pretty significant.
Against the Cavs, who are without Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a couple of days removed from watching the Lakers traipse all over their diminished front line, Oden could go off. But it’s up to him. It’s up to that attitude, and not hitting the pine in the first quarter with two quick fouls.
Meanwhile, the Cavs need LeBron James to start scoring big, right flippin’ now. His per game scoring numbers have actually gone down this season, and with Big Z and Delonte West out, James needs to play well over 40 minutes, get to the line, and shoot the high percentage.
11 games tonight (though none are on ESPN, oddly), so get crackin’ in the comments below.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 31-8, 89.2 possessions per game (25th), 112.4 points scored per 100 possessions (3rd), 99.9 points allowed per 100 possessions (2nd).
Portland Trail Blazers: 25-16, 86.0 possessions per game (30th), 112.8 points scored per 100 possessions (2nd), 109.4 points allowed per 100 possessions (23rd).