Eastern Conference

Cleveland vs. Boston

Game 1 - Sat May 1 Boston at Cleveland 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT/R
Game 2 - Mon May 3 Boston at Cleveland 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri May 7 Cleveland at Boston 7:00PM 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun May 9 Cleveland at Boston 3:30PM 3:30PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue May 11 Boston at Cleveland TBD TBD TNT
Game 6 * Thu May 13 Cleveland at Boston TBD TBD ESPN
Game 7 * Sun May 16 Boston at Cleveland 3:30PM 3:30PM ABC

* * *
WINNERS BRACKET - LeBron James’ half-court shot against the Bulls will be one of the featured highlights on "Winners Bracket" at 5 p.m. Saturday on ABC-TV.

Here's more info on "Winners Bracket."

CAVS 96, CHICAGO BULLS 94
at Quicken Loans Arena
Tuesday
Game 5 of Eastern Conference first-round playoffs
(Cavs win best-of-seven series, 4-1)
TV: TNT, Fox Sports Ohio, WUAB
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENed: The Cavs closed out the Bulls on Tuesday.

Finally, the Cavs and Celtics will reacquaint themselves in the playoffs. The team teams duked it out in 2008, with the Celtics winning, 4-3.

This series won't be much different.

The big story on Wednesday will be LeBron James' right elbow. He's had an MRI and X-ray on the elbow and there's no structural damage.

Bulls guard Derrick Rose had an MRI on his left ankle on Monday. He still had 31 points on Tuesday.

* * *
LBJ'S SHOT: LeBron James' 40-some foot shot against the Bulls wasn't a heave. It was a regular shot from just over midcourt.

* * *
BANGO STUNT: OK, I don't usually get too excited about mascot's stunts. But this one by Bucks mascot, Bango, is crazy.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C Shaquille O'Neal (7-1, 325) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
PROJECTED INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Danny Green, G Sebastian Telfair, F Leon Powe.
Bulls - G Devin Brown, F Joe Alexander, F Rob Kurz.
OFFICIALS
Ken Mauer, Bill Kennedy, Zach Zarba

The Cavs and Celtics will likely face off in the second round of the playoffs. SI.com columnist Dan Shaughnessy thinks the Celtics will prevail in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cavs.

Personally, I think Shaughnessy is wrong. But it will be a great second-round series against Boston.

CAVS 121, CHICAGO BULLS 98
at United Center
Sunday
(Cavs lead best-of-seven series, 3-1)
TV: ABC (WEWS)
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: This was the statement game many have been expecting from the Cavs in this series. Remember this is a No. 1 seed vs. a No. 8. It's time to start playing like it.

Now, the Cavs wanted to establish center Shaquille O'Neal in the low post. He managed to stay on the court for just 17 minutes on Sunday, but he was still a load. He needs to find a way to stay aggressive and stay out of foul trouble.

LeBron James was fabulous with his fifth career playoff triple-double. He had 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. He directed the tempo of the guy. It appeared as if he didn't even exert himself, but he did, of course.

James' supporting cast was also great. Antawn Jamison's 24 points were outstanding. Many of them came on drives to the basket against Bulls forwards Luol Deng and Taj Gibson. The Bulls were switching on pick-and-rolls, but Deng put up little defense for Jamison.

Guard Mo Williams was also good with 19 points.

Jamison said James had that look in his eye before the game. We've seen that look many times before. When he plays like that, the Cavs can beat any team in the world.

The Cavs will likely close out this series on Tuesday. The Bulls just aren't ready to go into Quicken Loans Arena and beat the Cavs in the playoffs.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C Shaquille O'Neal (7-1, 325) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Danny Green, G Sebastian Telfair, F Leon Powe.
Bulls - G Acie Law, F Joe Alexander, F Rob Kurz.
OFFICIALS
Bennett Salvatore, Mike Callahan, Derrick Stafford

CHICAGO BULLS 108, CAVS 106
at United Center
Thursday
(Cavs lead best-of-seven series, 2-1)
Game 4 is 3:30 p.m. Sunday

WHAT HAPPENED: Many thought Game 3 was the Bulls' best shot at winning a game in this series. That line of reasoning proved to be true.

Heck, one could make a case for the Bulls being up, 2-1. They played very well in Game 2 in Cleveland.

They definitely have the Cavs on their heels a bit heading into Game 4.

Even though they were .500 during the regular season, they were better than their record indicates. They had injuries and had to find a way to adjust without Ben Gordon at the beginning of the season.

Of course, they found they had a major star on their hands in Derrick Rose, who had 31 points in Game 3.

Cavs guard Mo Williams has not been able to keep Rose in front of him thus far in the series.

If LeBron James is forced to guard Rose, that could cause repercussions in other areas. He could never admit to wearing down, but that's too much burden for any player.

* * *
WHAT ABOUT SHAQ? - Shaquille O'Neal is starting to look like a 38-year-old man. He had six points, four rebounds and two blocks in Game 3.

"I'm not concerned," Cavs forward LeBron James said. "I think he needs to pick up his play. But he knows that.

"No matter who you are, even if you're the best player in the world, if you have an eight-week layoff, it's going to take a toll on you."

And it has.

* * *
NOTES - A Cavs official spoke his mind to NBA vice president of operations Stu Jackson after the game. Apparently, he was upset with a charge on James in the fourth quarter.

"I saw Luol (Deng) backpedaling," James said. "Me as a driver, I'm watching his feet to see if he's stationary or moving. I thought he was still backpedaling."

-- The Cavs have blocked 28 shots in the first three games, compared to 11 for the Bulls.

-- The Bulls have never lost to the Cavs in five previous playoff series. Certainly, they couldn't extend that streak this year, could they?

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C Shaquille O'Neal (7-1, 325) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Danny Green, G Sebastian Telfair, F Leon Powe.
Bulls - G Devin Brown, F Joe Alexander, F Rob Kurz.
OFFICIALS
Monty McCutchen, Tony Brothers, Jason Phillips

CAVS 112, CHICAGO BULLS 102
at Quicken Loans Arena
Monday
(Cavs lead best-of-seven series, 2-0)
TV: TNT, Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM
Game 3 is 7 p.m. Thursday in Chicago

WHAT HAPPENED: The Bulls were unable to slow down LeBron James, who fired in 40 points and had eight rebounds and eight assists.

"LeBron took over the game," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said.

"I thought we played much sharper. We were much better on the glass. We were more aggressive from the start. The other night, we weren’t getting a body on anybody. We put a lot of emphasis on getting second-chance points. When the game was tied or close, LeBron made plays and scored points. That’s what they do."

The Bulls might not be able to play much better. They had 93 shots from the field - 22 more than the Cavs. They outrebounded the Cavs, 37-36.

They outscored the Cavs, 56-38, in second-change points.

"We played well enough to steal a game," Del Negro said. "They earned it."

The Bulls don't have the kind of frontcourt depth that the Cavs do. Besides starters Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison, the Cavs bring Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas off the bench. J.J. Hickson, another quality big, can't even get on the court.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C Shaquille O'Neal (7-1, 325) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Danny Green, G Sebastian Telfair, F Leon Powe.
Bulls - G Devin Brown, F Joe Alexander, F Rob Kurz.
OFFICIALS
Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, Eric Lewis

CAVS 96, CHICAGO BULLS 83
at Quicken Loans Arena
(Cavs lead series, 1-0)
Eastern Conference first round
TV: ABC
RADIO: WTAM
Game 2 is at 8 p.m. Monday

WHAT HAPPENED: The biggest difference in the game was the Cavs' dominance on the boards. The Bulls led the league with an average of 44.5 rebounds per game during the regular season.

In Game 1, the Cavs outrebounded them, 50-38.

The Cavs' big-man rotation of Shaquille O'Neal, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas were overwhelming against the Bulls.

It was even more magnified when Bulls center Joakim Noah got in foul trouble. That put a huge burden on Brad Miller, who is more of a perimeter shooter.

The Cavs also blocked 12 shots, including a Cavs playoff record 10 in the second half.

The Cavs never really slowed down Bulls guard Derrick Rose, who led all scorers with 28 points. But he was 13 of 28 from the field. The Cavs said they could live with that.

The Cavs regained their edge on defense and held the Bulls to 43 percent shooting.

NOTES: Saturday was the Cavs' first victory in a Game 1 vs. Chicago in franchise history (1-5 lifetime).

-- The Cavs have won 10 of their last 11 postseason games at The Q.

-- LeBron James has posted 21 consecutive postseason games with 20 or more points.

-- It was Shaquille O'Neal's 204th career playoff game, most among active players.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C Shaquille O'Neal (7-1, 325) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Danny Green, G Sebastian Telfair, F Leon Powe.
Bulls - G Devin Brown, F Joe Alexander, F Rob Kurz.
OFFICIALS
Eddie F. Rush, Bob Delaney, John Goble

Here is the complete schedule and national television & radio arrangements
for all first-round series.

Western Conference

L.A. Lakers vs. Oklahoma City

Game 1 - Sun April 18 Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers 12:00PM
3:00PM ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue April 20 Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers 7:30PM
10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 22 L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City 8:30PM
9:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Sat April 24 L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City 8:30PM
9:30PM ESPN/R
Game 5 * Tue April 27 Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD
TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 30 L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City TBD TBD
TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 2 Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD
TBD

Dallas vs. San Antonio

Game 1 - Sun April 18 San Antonio at Dallas 7:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 21 San Antonio at Dallas 8:30PM 9:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 23 Dallas at San Antonio 8:30PM 9:30PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 25 Dallas at San Antonio 6:00PM 7:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 27 San Antonio at Dallas TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 29 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 1 San Antonio at Dallas TBD TBD TNT

Phoenix vs. Portland

Game 1 - Sun April 18 Portland at Phoenix 7:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Tue April 20 Portland at Phoenix 7:00PM 10:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Thu April 22 Phoenix at Portland 7:00PM 10:00PM NBATV
Game 4 - Sat April 24 Phoenix at Portland 1:30PM 4:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Mon April 26 Portland at Phoenix TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 29 Phoenix at Portland TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 1 Portland at Phoenix TBD TBD TNT

Denver vs. Utah

Game 1 - Sat April 17 Utah at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Mon April 19 Utah at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 23 Denver at Utah 8:30PM 10:30PM ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun April 25 Denver at Utah 7:30PM 9:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Wed April 28 Utah at Denver TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 30 Denver at Utah TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 2 Utah at Denver TBD TBD TBD
NBA Playoffs 2010 - First Round Schedule
page 2 of 2

National
Local EDT Broadcast
Eastern Conference

Cleveland vs. Chicago

Game 1 - Sat April 17 Chicago at Cleveland 3:00PM 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Mon April 19 Chicago at Cleveland 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 22 Cleveland at Chicago 6:00PM 7:00PM TNT
Game 4 - Sun April 25 Cleveland at Chicago 2:30PM 3:30PM ABC/R
Game 5 * Tue April 27 Chicago at Cleveland TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 29 Cleveland at Chicago TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 1 Chicago at Cleveland TBD TBD TNT

Orlando vs. Charlotte

Game 1 - Sun April 18 Charlotte at Orlando 5:30PM 5:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 21 Charlotte at Orlando 7:00PM 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 24 Orlando at Charlotte 2:00PM 2:00PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 26 Orlando at Charlotte TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 28 Charlotte at Orlando TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 30 Orlando at Charlotte TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 2 Charlotte at Orlando TBD TBD TBD

Atlanta vs. Milwaukee

Game 1 - Sat April 17 Milwaukee at Atlanta 5:30PM 5:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 20 Milwaukee at Atlanta 7:00PM 7:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Sat April 24 Atlanta at Milwaukee 6:00PM 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Mon April 26 Atlanta at Milwaukee TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 28 Milwaukee at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 30 Atlanta at Milwaukee TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 2 Milwaukee at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD

Boston vs. Miami

Game 1 - Sat April 17 Miami at Boston 8:00PM 8:00PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 20 Miami at Boston 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 23 Boston at Miami 7:00PM 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 25 Boston at Miami 1:00PM 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 27 Miami at Boston TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 29 Boston at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 1 Miami at Boston TBD TBD TNT

Additional scheduling information will be furnished as soon as possible
consistent with the need to fulfill league obligations.

If First Round series are completed in six (6) games or less, the
Conference Semifinals may move up to begin on either Saturday, May 1 or
Sunday, May 2.

*If necessary

All games, except those televised by ABC Sports, are available to be
televised locally.

TBD - To Be Determined R - ESPN Radio

ATLANTA HAWKS (53-29) 99, CAVS (53-29) 83
at Philips Arena
Wednesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The expected return of center Shaquille O’Neal, who has missed the last 23 games of the regular season after having right thumb surgery, didn't happen. Cavs coach Mike Brown just didn't want any of his frontline players getting hurt.

So, Shaq is heading into the Bulls playoff series - Game 1 could start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, an industry source said - having not played since Feb. 25.

He looked very strong in practice on Tuesday. Perhaps he can step right in and pick up where he left off. But he's probably not going to have much rhythm.

The Bulls (41-41) present a lot of potential matchup problems for the Cavs.

"They are athletic," Brown said. "They play a lot of pick-and-roll. They are a good drive-and-kick team. We’ll have to be ready for that."

Brown said this year's team is a much different than last year's 66-win team.

"I like the versatility of our team," Brown said. "We can go small. We can go big. We can go quick."

* * *
LONG-RANGE SHOOTING: When you take Mo Williams out of the lineup, that affects their outside shooting drastically.

Maybe that's why they were 1 for 14 from behind the arc in the loss to the Hawks. Forward Jamario Moon connected from long range in the late going to avert the shutout.

* * *
FRIENDS AND FAMILY: J.J. Hickson had a boatload of friends and family at the game. He said he didn't know how many were at the game. He prepped at Marietta, Ga.

Hickson was one of the few bright spots against the Hawks with 14 points and six rebounds.

Hickson will move to the bench when Shaq returns. It’s unfortunate because the second-year forward has played admirably in the starting lineup.

"I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win," he said.

Hopefully, he won’t go in the tank. His minutes might be cut, too, since Brown will want to keep Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao together on the second unit.

* * *
FACE TIME: I'll be appearing on More Sports & Les Levine on Thursday night on Time Warner Cable.

Also, I'll be on WELW on Friday morning.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF Jawad Williams (6-9, 220) vs. Marvin Williams (6-9, 240)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Joe Smith (6-10, 230)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Zaza Pachulia (6-11, 275)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Mario West (6-5, 210)
PG Delonte West (6-3, 180) vs. Jeff Teague (6-2, 181)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Daniel Gibson (personal matter), F LeBron James are out.
Hawks – G Jamal Crawford (sore right toe).
OFFICIALS
Dick Bavetta, Tony Brothers, Tony Brown

Tim Povtak, a writer for AOL FanHouse, should give back a refund on his column this week about LeBron James.

Povtak, a friend of mine who used to be the beat writer on the Orlando Magic, wrote that James should refund all the fans who showed up to see him play on Sunday.

First of all, Tim, the decision not to play wasn't James'. Coach Mike Brown doesn't want him to get hurt in a meaningless game. If it were up to James, he'd probably play.

Just to upset you, Tim, he's not going to play in Atlanta on Wednesday, either.

Povtak really got personal when he said James lost his MVP vote for sitting out. Are you kidding me, Tim?

That didn't go over well with TNT anaylst Charles Barkley.

"A lot of these guys are (expletive)," Barkley said. "It’s his job is to vote for the guys who deserved it. It (peeves) me off when I hear something like that. It’s your job to give it to the right player."

ORLANDO MAGIC (57-23) 98, CAVS (61-20) 92
at Quicken Loans Arena
Sunday
TV: ABC (Channel 5)
RADIO: WMMS (100.7 FM)

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs sat out three starters against the Magic: center Shaquille O'Neal, guard Anthony Parker and forward LeBron James.

The Cavs are expected to sit James against the Hawks, too, on Wednesday. How ridiculous would it be for him to play and get hurt in the regular-season finale at Philips Arena.

The Cavs have decided the games don't mean any more than a "high-level practice."

The Magic still have their pedal to the metal. They still have something to play for: They want homecourt advantage in the NBA Finals. They think they're better than the Cavs. After beating them in the Eastern Conference finals last year, maybe they are.

In my mind, they are the only team in the Eastern Conference capable of beating the Cavs in a seven-game series.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF Jawad Williams (6-9, 220) vs. Matt Barnes (6-7, 226)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Rashard Lewis (6-10, 230)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Dwight Howard (6-11, 275)
SG Jamario Moon (6-8, 200) vs. Vince Carter (6-6, 220)
PG Delonte West (6-3, 190) vs. Jameer Nelson (6-0, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, F LeBron James, G Anthony Parker.
Magic - C Adonal Foyle.
OFFICIALS
Tom Washington, Derrick Collins, Jason Phillips

INDIANA PACERS (31-48) 116, CAVS (61-19) 113
at Quicken Loans Arena
Friday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs had their 11-game home winning streak snapped on Friday. They also had won 10 in a row over the Pacers at The Q.

The Cavs finished 12-4 vs. the Central Division this season.

Cavs guard Delonte West was ejected in the third quarter. He must have said the magic word to official Marc Davis.

The Cavs resembled their JV team. Coach Mike Brown decided to rest LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams and Daniel Gibson on Friday. If that group doesn't play on Sunday, they will get embarrassed by Orlando.

The Magic are still playing their regulars and want to get homecourt advantage over the Lakers.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF Jamario Moon (6-8, 200) vs. Danny Granger (6-9, 228)
PF Leon Powe (6-8, 240) vs. Troy Murphy (6-11, 245)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Roy Hibbert (7-2, 278)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Brandon Rush (6-6, 210)
PG Delonte West (6-3, 190) vs. Earl Watson (6-1, 185)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Mo Williams, F LeBron James.
Pacers - F/C Jeff Foster, F Tyler Hansbrough.
OFFICIALS
Marc Davis, Matt Boland, Kane Fitzgerald

CHICAGO BULLS (38-40) 109, CAVS (61-18) 108
at United Center
Thursday
TV: TNT, Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WMMS (100.7) FM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs played without LeBron James and his 29.7 scoring average. However, they pushed the Bulls to the limit.

Guard Mo Williams had a game- and season-high 35 points and 10 assists.

The Cavs were just 2-2 in the season series with the Bulls. They will likely be the Cavs' first-round opponent in the playoffs.

Add James and Shaquille O'Neal to the team, however, and the Cavs will be just a tad bit better, don't you think?

The Bulls and Raptors are now tied for that No. 8 seed and the right to face the Cavs in the first round.

In my opinion, the Cavs would rather face Toronto in the first round. They score points in bunches, but they don't even try to stop teams on the defensive end. However, with the broken nose and fractured bone in his face to Chris Bosh, the Raptors might be done.

It's unlikely he'll be able to return to the court for the regular season. And, if that occurs, there'll probably be no postseason.

NOTES: For the first time in 20 games, the Cavs were outshot by their opponent. The 19-game streak was the longest in the league. The Bulls shot 52 percent to the Cavs' 48.

-- Jawad Williams started in place of James at small forward, but didn't make much of his 24 minutes. He was 1 of 6 from the field for three points and four rebounds. He immediately locks onto the rim when he gets the ball and never looks to set up a teammate.

-- In my opinion, Jamario Moon should be in the playoff rotation. He's a much better player than Jawad, can defend and is a better athlete.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Joakim Noah (6-11, 232)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-1, 185)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, F LeBron James, G Delonte West
Bulls - F Joe Alexander, G Devin Brown, C Jerome James
OFFICIALS
Dick Bavetta, Derek Richardson, Leroy Richardson

CAVS (61-17) 113, TORONTO RAPTORS (38-39) 101
at Quicken Loans Arena
Tuesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs have won 11 in a row over the Raptors at The Q, dating back to Dec. 4, 2004.

This is the Raptors' longest active streak of consecutive losses at an arena after snapping an 11-game slide to the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills earlier this season.

The Cavs haven't lost to the Raptors in Cleveland since April 6, 2004. They finished 3-1 against the Raptors this season.

The Cavs took control of the game in the third quarter when they outscored the Raptors, 35-26. The Cavs shot 71.4 percent from the field in the quarter.

LeBron James had an off night shooting - he was just 5 of 13 from the field - but dished out 13 assists. James and guard Mo Williams combined for 25 assists on the night. The Cavs had a season-high 38 assists against the Raptors.

The Raptors lost forward/center Chris Bosh to a broken nose and fractured facial bone with 9:52 remaining in the first quarter.

Assuming the Raptors hold onto the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, they will face the Cavs in the first round.

The Cavs are hinting that they're going to start resting people in the last four games, and that includes LeBron James. That could start on Thursday in Chicago.

GOOD GUY: I presented Cavs forward Jamario Moon with the Austin Carr Good Guy Award before the game. The local chapter of the Pro Basketball Writers Association presented him with a plaque.

Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas won the award last year.

AP TERRIFIC: Anthony Parker had a season-high 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.

"I've been around this business since 1992," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He’s one of the best pros I’ve been around. He’s a pro’s pro.

"We don’t call plays for AP. He plays off whoever he’s on the floor with. It’s a hard thing to do when you don’t get any plays called. He’s done a terrific job with his role. He has his hands full with his job."

NOTES: LeBron James was 0 of 2 from behind the arc. In his last two games, he's 0 of 11 from 3-point land.

-- The Cavs have won 33 of their last 35 at The Q.

-- For the second time this season, the Cavs had seven players in double figures. The last time it happened was Dec. 2 vs. Phoenix.

-- Their 38 assists was one shy of The Q record. That was 39 vs. Washington on Jan. 23, 2008.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Antoine Wright (6-7, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Chris Bosh (6-10, 230)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Andrea Bargnani (7-0, 250)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Sonny Weems (6-6, 203)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Jose Calderon (6-3, 210)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G Delonte West
Raptors - G Marcus Banks, F Joey Dorsey, C Patrick O'Bryant
OFFICIALS
Joe DeRosa, Pat Fraher, Ed Malloy

The Toronto Star reported that Team USA executive director Jerry Colangelo has backed off.

His comment that players who skip this summer's World Championships in Turkey might get left off the 2012 Olympic team didn't go over well with Cavs forward LeBron James.

James was quite miffed by Colangelo's comment.

Colangelo, quoted by the Star after the Basketball Hall of Fame class was announced on Monday in Indianapolis, said the committee must be "flexible" in such matters. That was a stark contrast to what he said last week.

James will be a free agent this summer and also star in a motion picture.

BOSTON CELTICS (48-28) 117, CAVS (60-17) 113
at TD Garden
Sunday
TV: ABC
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Two things occurred on Sunday. One, the Cavs wrapped up homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs when the Spurs knocked off the Lakers.

Two, the Cavs' loss meant they won't be able to tie their franchise record with 66 wins set last season. They would have had to win out, which was unlikely any how. Coach Mike Brown will start resting some players soon.

Brown wasn't around for the whole game on Sunday. He was ejected in the third quarter. Lead assistant Mike Malone finished the game.

Some think he's being groomed to be a head coach some day. Might as well get his feet wet now.

The Celtics are old and sometimes look tired. But they aren't going down without a fight. The team has heart.

If you're a Cavs fan, it's easy to hate the Celtics. And, believe me, both teams hate each other. LeBron James was the only one with the guts to say it.

"We don't like them and they don't like us," he said after the game.

There's no love lost between these teams. They have history between each other.

The teams finished 2-2 in the season series against the Celtics.

NO ANDY: The Cavs were once again playing without forward/center Anderson Varejao. He's missed the last 4 1/2 games with what the Cavs are terming a "sore" left hamstring. It sure sounds like "pulled" hamstring to me.

BIG CACTUS: Center Shaquille O'Neal did some light courtwork on Thursday, mostly non-contact drills. He claims he's coming back before the regular season ends.

But whatever you do, don't ask Brown.

"I keep hearing it," he said. "He’s telling everybody he’s coming back before the playoffs. He’s telling you guys and you are telling me. You guys have more information than I do."

RICH AND FAMOUS: Rapper Dr. Dre sat with Akron's Maverick Carter at Sunday's game.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Paul Pierce (6-7, 235)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Kevin Garnett (6-11, 253)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Kendrick Perkins (6-10, 280)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Ray Allen (6-5, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Rajon Rondo (6-1, 178)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, F/C Anderson Varejao.
Celtics - F Marcus Landry, F Brian Scalabrine.
OFFICIALS
Monty McCutchen, Rodney Mott, Bill Spooner

CAVS (60-16) 93, ATLANTA HAWKS (48-27) 88
at Quicken Loans Arena
Friday
TV: ESPN, Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The league's most athletic team was unable to defend perhaps the league's most athletic player. Forward LeBron James was like a runaway train with 27 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals in front of a national-TV audience.

The win clinched the top record in the Eastern Conference. They are one more victory - or a Lakers loss - from wrapping up the best record and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Cavs have won the last five meetings against the Hawks during the regular season. Counting last year's four-game playoff sweep, the streak grew to nine games in a row.

The Cavs are definitely in the Hawks' heads. No matter how well the Hawks seem to play, they just can't get past the Cavs.

Guard Mo Williams was also his old self with 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and a career-high four blocks.

Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas also had his best game since he re-signed with the Cavs last week. He had five points, 10 rebounds and one block.

The Cavs could welcome back forward/center Anderson Varejao for Sunday's showdown in Boston. He's missed the last three games with a sore left hamstring. Without him coming off the bench, the Cavs' reserves have been a bit limited as of late. His energy is needed.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Marvin Williams (6-9, 240)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Josh Smith (6-9, 234)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Al Horford (6-10, 246)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Joe Johnson (6-7, 240)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Mike Bibby (6-1, 195)
INJURED LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Sebastian Telfair (ruptured groin), F/C Anderson Varejao (sore left hamstring) are out.
Hawks - none.
OFFICIALS
Greg Willard, Sean Corbin, Kevin Fehr

I just received the NBA's postseason awards ballots via e-mail from Mark Broussard, senior director of NBA basketball communications.

Here are the ballots I will vote on: All-NBA, Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year.

According to the release, I must follow these guidelines:

* Each ballot must be filled out in its entirety;
* No votes may be split;
* Deadline for all votes to be received by the NBA is 3 p.m. ET Thursday, April 15.