Game 38 | Cavs at Nuggets | Jan 8th, 2010 | 10:30pm EST

[Rise Against]

.............................................. vs.
......................................................................................................................................[28-9]................................................................................................................................................................[22-13]




......................................| January 8th, 2010 | 10:30 PM - ET | Pepsi Center | Denver, CO |
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................| ESPN | WTAM 1100 |




_____ _____


......................................................................................................................PF: C: SF: ..........
...................................................................................................................................................... Hickson #21 ............. O'Neal #33 .................................... James #23

.............................................................................................................................................................. PG: SG:
........................................................................................................................................................................................................ Williams #2 ......................... Parker #18





................................................................................................................................................................... PG: SG:
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Billups #1 ................................. Afflalo #24

.............................................................................................................PF: C: SF:
...................................................................................................................................................... Martin #4 .................... Hilario #31 .............................. Anthony #15



_____ _____




_____________ Injury Report ____________

Jamario Moon - Out (Abdominal Strain)
Leon Powe - Out (Knee)


Carmelo Anthony - Questionable (Bruised Knee)

_____________ Game Preview ____________

Cleveland (28-9) has won five straight on the road since a 102-95 loss to Dallas on Dec. 20. That was the opener of a four-game trip in which the Cavaliers bounced back with three wins, beating Phoenix and the Lakers along the way. This stretch includes visits to face Portland, Golden State, Utah and the Clippers.

The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets (22-13) could probably be considered the toughest test on this trip if not for their lengthy injury list. Anthony -- averaging 30.0 points to tie Kobe Bryant for the league lead -- has missed three straight games with a knee bruise and Billups eight of the last nine with a groin problem. Anthony has said he won't rush back just because he's facing good friend LeBron James. Billups has indicated he will play Friday.

The Cavs have won 13 of 15 after a 121-98 rout of Washington on Wednesday. James led six players in double figures with 23 points. Since James and Anthony entered the league in 2003-04, the Nuggets have won eight of 12 against the Cavs with James playing in every contest and Anthony missing one. Anthony was held to an average of 15.5 points last season in two losses.

[J Smitty]

Ty Lawson and Chris Andersen are also likely out, in addition to Melo.

[GenevieveJames]

denver might be much harder in the playoffs [if they get fitter] and might be in 2nd round etc.

[Rise Against]

Ty Lawson and Chris Andersen are also likely out, in addition to Melo.

Injuries are a bummer.. I wanted to see a good game. At least Billups is back?

[TheOUTLAW]

Has Billups ever really hurt the Cavs in a game?

I think this game would be alot more interesting if LeBron and Carmelo went at it. I really think he'll play if he can

[delonte]

I dont care about a good game haha. I just want the W baby

[L&H_05]

We lost to a Dirkless Mavs team and the Bulls at home, so a loss would not surprise me with the Cavs, regardless who's playing..

[Benedict_Boozer]

^Yeah if DEN has alot of players out, we will probably lose. If all their big guns suit up, we probably win. That's how this years team seems to roll..

[KAVK]

I dont care about a good game haha. I just want the W baby

That is a cheap one coming from one of the best team's fan

[mg]

I hope Melo plays.

[prekazi]

According to Windhorst, Melo and Ty Lawson are probably out, Billups will play though.

[Benedict_Boozer]

According to Windhorst, Melo and Ty Lawson are probably out, Billups will play though.

Ty Lawson being out def helps us because he would have been blowing by Mo.

[Nutty Nats Fan]

We lost to a Dirkless Mavs team and the Bulls at home, so a loss would not surprise me with the Cavs, regardless who's playing..

Denver is out Melo/Lawson and Birdman/Nene are game time decisions. So I'd be shocked the Cavs don't win, unless the Cavs don't even try in games like this?

[Triumph36]

All of the injuries really suck. We only get to play Denver 2x a year, it'd be nice to see both teams healthy for the two matchups

[TheOUTLAW]

Kinda interesting that the talking heads act as though the Nuggets are going to run us out of the gym just because of how much more athletic the Nugs are in the front court. I guess they haven't watched us play this team before. I'm pretty sure we swept last year.

[TheOUTLAW]

Uh, the Cavs are out here dressed in the Knicks looking uniforms

[prekazi]

Terrible start.

[Benedict_Boozer]

Mo is getting torched on D.

[Benedict_Boozer]

I guess the refs aren't calling offensive fouls on Denver tonight.

[TheOUTLAW]

LeBron gets battered going to the basket and there was no call.