MIAMI HEAT (34-14) 117, CAVS (8-40) 90
at AmericanAirlines Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: Many point to the Dec. 2 matchup against the Heat as the game that started the Cavs' current tailspin.

The Cavs suffered a crushing 118-90 loss to the Heat that night at The Q. Since that game, the Cavs are 1-29.

That includes Monday's game at AmericanAirlines Arena.

They hung around in Monday's game for 2 1/2 quarters before getting blown out of the gym. The Cavs trailed by three points early in the third quarter, 70-67. From that point, the Heat outscored the Cavs, 47-23.

The Cavs scored 37 points in the second quarter. In the entire second half, they managed just 33 points.

The Cavs dropped their 21st consecutive game, as well as 31 of 32. They’ve also lost 24 in a row on the road. They are three games shy of the all-time NBA record for consecutive losses.

Fans are watching rookie Manny Harris develop before their eyes. He recorded his second consecutive 20-point game against Orlando and Miami. In the second quarter, with Heat forward LeBron James closing in on one of his patented chase-down blocks, he dunked over the All-Defensive performer.

The 6-5 guard was 7 of 7 from the foul line and pulled down five rebounds.

Forward Antawn Jamison added 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 34 points, while James added 24.

The Cavs will attempt to halt their losing streak against Indiana at home on Wednesday.

James is averaging 27.7 points in the three games against his former team this year. Of course, the Heat has won all three.

The Cavs played without guard Daniel Gibson, who is listed as doubtful for the Pacers game on Wednesday with a bruised quadriceps muscle. He's one of the few players on the team who can make jump shots on a regular basis.

Cavs swingman Christian Eyenga has been making wonderful strides, but don't expect him to shut down James tonight. Eyenga had two blocks on Monday, one against 7-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas and other against Dwyane Wade.

They suffered their first winless month in franchise history (10 or more games). They finished 0-16 in January. That came on the heels of a 1-14 month in December.

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) vs. LeBron James (6-8, 250)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Chris Bosh (6-11, 235)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7-3, 260)
SG Manny Harris (6-6, 185) vs. Dwyane Wade (6-4, 220)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Mario Chalmers (6-2, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Heat – F Udonis Haslem, C Dexter Pittman, C Jamaal Magliore.
OFFICIALS
Ken Mauer, Bennie Adams, Kevin Fehr.

ORLANDO MAGIC (31-17) 103, CAVS (8-39) 87
at Amway Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs have lost 20 games in a row, a franchise record for consecutive losses in one season. They've probably forgotten what it's like to win a game.

Those of you who read this blog religiously have read about "schedule" losses. It's when the league makes out the schedule and you can just look at it and say, "There's a loss." These back-to-back games at Orlando and Miami are "schedule" losses.

Even if things were going well for the Cavs - and it's not - these would be difficult to win.

The Magic have not been tearing up the league as of late. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games. But they play pretty well at home where they are 18-6.

Magic GM Otis Smith made the two big moves on Dec. 18 and it added talent to the roster. However, the roster is not complete, as the Magic don't have a legitimate backup center after sending the Polish Hammer, Marcin Gortat, to the Suns.

But we'll let Smith and the rest of the Magic worry about them.

The Cavs have lost a franchise-record 23 games in a row on the road. They don't have to worry about the all-time NBA mark. The Sacramento Kings lost 43 in a row on the road (37 to end the 1990-91 season, first six to start the 1991-92 campaign).

The Cavs are playing well in spurts of games. They all end the same way. They allow their opponent to go on a run, then the Cavs storm back to within a few points. At the end, they don't know how to close out games, so they lose.

After watching Northwestern on Saturday against Ohio State, the Wildcats ran the Princeton offense. It didn't look anything like the Cavs' version of it. They moved. They cut off screens, They got open shots and they made them. The Cavs don't have players, other than Daniel Gibson, who can make shots.

If one is looking for reasons for Sunday's loss, look no further than the rebounding column. The Magic won the battle of the boards, 61-35. They also grabbed 24 offensive rebounds.

Also, the Cavs had just one starter reach double figures - rookie guard Manny Harris with 20 points, six rebounds and three assists. The other four starters combined for a meager 20 points on 8 of 34 shooting from the floor. What a joke.

Rookie power forward Samardo Samuels had a strong game with a career-high 16 points. He made 6 of 8 from the field.

The Cavs have no one to guard Magic center Dwight Howard. He had his way with 20 points and 20 rebounds. It marked the 30th 20/20 game of his career.

They have lost five in a row to the Magic, including the first three meetings this season. In the first game in Orlando, a 111-100 setback on Nov. 26, Howard was 13 of 26 from the foul line.

The Magic has attempted 31 3-point goals in each of the three games against the Cavs. They have made 14, 19 and nine in the three contests. Forward Ryan Anderson was 5 of 10 behind the arc. He finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, both career highs.

The Cavs have also lost 30 of the last 31 overall, and 0-15 in the month of January.

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) vs. Hedo Turkoglu (6-10, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Brandon Bass (6-8, 250)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Dwight Howard (6-11, 275)
SG Manny Harris (6-6, 185) vs. Jason Richardson (6-6, 225)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Jameer Nelson (6-0, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Magic – C Daniel Orton, G Gilbert Arenas.
OFFICIALS
Monty McCutchen, David Guthrie, Derek Richardson.

DENVER NUGGETS (28-18) 117, CAVS (8-38) 103
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs played with fire on Friday. They just don't know how to close out games.

Games like these are moral victories for this team. They locked horns with Denver - a solid playoff team - but just came up short.

The Cavs have now dropped 19 in a row, which ties their franchise record for consecutive losses in one season.

"Any loss bothers me, not just knowing we have lost 19 in a row," Cavs center J.J. Hickson said. "Losing 19 in a row is tough, but I just hate losing overall."

The Cavs have also lost 29 of the last 30 overall, as well as their last eight at home.

They don't have anyone to guard All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, and they haven't for quite a few years (yes, even when "he" was here). Anthony is ninth in the NBA in scoring at 23.6 per game. He led all scorers with 33.

Nuggets coach George Karl took exception to a question about the Anthony trade rumors.

"I think we get tired being asked that question," Karl said. "I think the players are a little tired of it. I think we have kept it away from the basketball court."

The Cavs are trying to avoid their first winless month in team history (in 10 or more games). They are 0-14 in January, with playoff teams Orlando and Miami remaining on the schedule. Yikes.

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) vs. Carmelo Anthony (6-8, 230)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Kenyon Martin (6-9, 240)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Nene (6-11, 250)
SG Daniel Gibson (6-2, 200) vs. Arron Afflalo (6-5, 215)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Chauncey Billups (6-3, 202)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Nuggets – F/C Chris Andersen, F Renaldo Balkman.
OFFICIALS
Bennett Salvatore, Kane Fitzgerald, Courtney Kirkland

BOSTON CELTICS (34-10) 112, CAVS (8-37) 95
at TD Garden
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Celtics have the best record in the Eastern Conference, and second to the surging San Antonio Spurs in the entire league. On paper, this matchup looked like a terrible mismatch.

But the Cavs competed on Tuesday against the best the East has to offer. They might have an 18-game losing streak, but they didn't back down from the mighty Celtics.

With the loss, they set a franchise mark with 22 consecutive losses on the road. Their last win away from The Q was Dec. 9 in New Jersey.

There were some positive aspects of Tuesday's game. Rookie Christian Eyenga paced the Cavs with 15 points. They had seven players in double figures.

Forward/center J.J. Hickson played an inspired game with 12 points, a game-high 17 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

The Celtics were spurred by the return of center Kendrick Perkins, who was knocked out of the NBA Finals last year with a serious knee injury.

They were a bit thin up front, as they started Turkish "phenom" Semih Erden (who?) at center against the Cavs. It didn't really matter, however, even though the Cavs won the battle of the boards.

Celtics starter Shaquille O'Neal is out with a hip injury.

The Cavs welcomed back swingman Anthony Parker for Tuesday's game. He's missed seven of the previous eight games with a strained lower back. He had three points in 14 minutes.

The Cavs are expected to keep Eyenga in the starting lineup at "3."

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) 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. Semih Erden (7-0, 240)
SG Daniel Gibson (6-2, 200) vs. Ray Allen (6-5, 205)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Rajon Rondo (6-1, 186)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Celtics – G Avery Bradley, C Jermaine O'Neal, G Delonte West.
OFFICIALS
Mike Callahan, John Goble, Scott Twardoski.

NEW JERSEY NETS (13-32) 103, CAVS (8-36) 101
at Prudential Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: Long live the Cavs' losing streak. They've now lost 17 in a row, just two shy of their all-time mark in one season.

They tied another franchise mark of 21 consecutive losses on the road. They've also dropped 27 of their last 28 games.

They tied the road streak, originally set on Jan. 13-March 30, 1980. They are favored to lose on Tuesday in Boston, so there's a good chance the all-time mark will fly.

They had a double-digit lead against the Nets, but once again failed to execute down the stretch. Forward Joey Graham drained a key 3-pointer to knot the score with less than a minute to play.

Nets center Brook Lopez scored in the lane with 1.4 seconds left for the game-winner.

Boobie Gibson missed a 3 at the buzzer.

Lopez ended with 28 points and seven rebounds. He's so long. He just turned and scored over J.J. Hickson and Ryan Hollins.

It would be nice to have a legitimate center on the roster. They don't, so I'll quit harping about it.

Swingman Anthony Parker (strained lower back) was expected to fly to Boston to meet the team for tonight's game. He's listed as questionable for the Celtics game.

This season is shaping up as the worst in franchise history. They need eight more wins to surpass the all-time mark of 15 wins. I just can't see them winning eight more games.

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) vs. Travis Outlaw (6-9, 207)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Derrick Favors (6-11, 246)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Brook Lopez (7-0, 265)
SG Daniel Gibson (6-2, 200) vs. Stephen Graham (6-6, 215)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Devin Harris (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Nets – F Damion Jones, F/C Troy Murphy.
OFFICIALS
Dan Crawford, Derrick Collins, Scott Wall.

CHICAGO BULLS (30-14) 92, CAVS (8-35) 79
at United Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: : The Cavs lost another game and another point guard.

Ramon Sessions, starting in place of Mo Williams, was knocked out of the game with an abdominal strain.

They are down to two players who can run the point – Daniel Gibson and rookie Manny Harris. Williams has been shut down for a few weeks after getting a cortisone shot in his left hip.

It’s not known how long Sessions will be sidelined.

The Cavs narrowed their deficit in the game to three points in the late going, but just couldn’t make a basket when it counted. The Bulls seemed like they were ripe for the picking.

The Cavs shot just 32 percent from the field against the league’s stingiest defense.

Forward Antawn Jamison had 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Center J.J. Hickson had 13 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the Cavs (8-35).

The Cavs have lost 16 in a row, 26 of 27 overall and 20 in a row on the road.

The Bulls are 20-4 at the United Center this season, including their win over Dallas on Thursday.

The Cavs have faced the Bulls three times this season - all losses - but have lost by a combined 27 points. They lost 100-91 on Jan. 1, and 88-83 on Dec. 8.

The Bulls were playing without starting center Joakim Noah (right thumb injury). As evidenced by the Bucks game on Friday, that means very little when dealing with the Cavs.

The Bucks were missing their starting backcourt of Brandon Jennings and John Salmons, and still blew the Cavs doors off.

The Bulls have adequate backups who have been filling in up front, including 38-year-old center Kurt Thomas. They really haven't missed a beat.

That's because they have one of the league's best players in guard Derrick Rose, who had a team-high 24 points and eight assists against the Cavs.

STARTERS
SF Christian Eyenga (6-5, 210) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Carlos Boozer (6-9, 266)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Kurt Thomas (6-9, 230)
SG Daniel Gibson (6-2, 200) vs. Keith Bogans (6-5, 215)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
PROJECTED INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Bulls – C Joakim Noah.
OFFICIALS
Greg Willard, Nick Buchert, Gary Zielinski.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (16-24) 102, CAVS (8-34) 88
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: This is the official start of the second half of the 2010-11 season. Unfortunately, the second half will end much like the first half because the cast of characters hasn't changed.

The Cavs extended their losing streak to 15 in a row, 25 out of the last 26. They beat the Bucks on Nov. 24, 83-81, but that seems like an enternity ago.

After a solid run in the playoffs last year, this was expected to be a banner year for the Bucks. That's been anything but the case.

They've especially struggled on the road, as they checked into Friday's encounter with a 6-15 road mark. But they still smashed the hapless Cavs, who didn't lead in the game for one second.

The Bucks were playing without their two leading scorers in Brandon Jennings and John Salmons. That's 31 points missing from the lowest-scoring team in the league. Of course, they ran off 102 points, only the ninth time all season they've topped the century mark.

The Cavs welcomed back forward Joey Graham and swingmen Christian Eyenga and Anthony Parker against the Bucks. That will actually give Coach Byron Scott a bench to work with. He wasn't able to capitalize on the full complement of players, but he did play 11 players.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Corey Maggette (6-6, 225)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Ersan Ilyasova (6-10, 235)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Andrew Bogut (7-0, 260)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts (6-6, 207)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Keyon Dooling (6-3, 195)
PROJECTED INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G Mo Williams.
Bucks – G Brandon Jennings, G Michael Redd.
OFFICIALS
Scott Foster, Tony Brothers, Eli Roe.

PHOENIX SUNS (19-21) 106, CAVS (8-33) 98
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: The Suns have won four of their last five games since beating the Cavs on Jan. 9 in Phoenix. The Cavs have had a chance to win both games against the Suns - both eight-point losses - but failed to execute down the stretch.

The big emphasis in Wednesday's game was defense. The Suns shot 47 percent from the field and 32 percent from the 3-point line. That's getting respectable.

I don't know why it took Coach Byron Scott half a season to decide this team needs to defend better. But for whatever reason, it's the emphasis now.

Ramon Sessions started at point guard against the Suns and will likely be the starter while Mo Williams is out. Williams said before the game he'll likely miss a few weeks after getting a cortisone shot in his left hip. He'd been suffering from a strained hip flexor.

Sessions had good numbers - 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals - but also turned the ball over five times. He has a knack for crucial turnovers at the worst time.

Suns guard Steve Nash, who is having an All-Star season, had 15 points and 15 assists. He took only nine shots, but once again controlled the tempo.

He's second in the NBA in assists (10.8), but has led the league in assists in four of the previous six seasons.

He's a joy to watch.

ATTENDANCE NOTE: The Cavs have sold out 88 consecutive regular-season games. However, Wednesday's game wasn't more than half full for most of the game. They announced a sellout only because of "tickets sold" and not actual attendance.

BLOWOUT CITY: The Cavs have lost by an average score of 16.5 points in their stretch of losing 24 of the last 25 games.

HUMAN ERASER: Forward Jamario Moon had a season-high five blocks. He's the second Cavs player to have five swats in a game this season (Anderson Varejao had five against Charlotte on Dec. 29).

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Grant Hill (6-8, 225)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Channing Frye (6-11, 245)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Robin Lopez (7-0, 255)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Vince Carter (6-6, 220)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 185) vs. Steve Nash (6-3, 178)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Leon Powe, G/F Anthony Parker.
Suns – F Gani Lawal.
OFFICIALS
Ken Mauer, Mark Ayotte, Brent Barnaky

DENVER NUGGETS (23-16) 127, CAVS (8-32) 99
at Pepsi Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs started the game with eight players, but had just seven available midway through the first quarter. It’s not a surprise the Cavs lost by 28 points.

Under the best of conditions, this was going to be a difficult game. It was one of those "schedule" losses. Not only was it on the tail end of a back-to-back set, it was the final game of their five-game West Coast trip. They finished 0-5.

It was also in Denver where they’ve struggled through the years.

Guard Mo Williams started and played just 5 minutes before leaving with a hip flexor strain – an injury that has been lingering for weeks. If Daniel Gibson returns against the Suns on Wednesday, perhaps Williams should take a few games off.

Center Ryan Hollins wasn’t with the team, as he left to attend a family funeral.

The Cavs (8-32) have now lost 23 of their last 24 games, including 13 in a row. On the road, they’ve dropped 19 consecutive games.

They allowed 80 points in the first half, which matched a franchise record for a Cavs’ opponent. It could have been worse, as Nuggets guard Ty Lawson missed a 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer.

The Cavs are headed toward the worst record in the league. In that regard, they're doing one heck of a job.

They have guys playing prominent roles that perhaps shouldn't be in the NBA. That's the kind of rebuilding effort the team is facing.

Let me get something off my chest. Why didn't they just say they were rebuilding from the start instead of their ridiculous stance that they weren't.

"We're not going to put any limits on this season," GM Chris Grant said.

Please. Don't insult our intelligence.

This team was extremely lacking from the start. Why not just say it? The minute LeBron James announced his intention to go to Miami, start the rebuilding process then. In essence, that's when the decline started.

No one knows where it will end.

But the Cavs might not ever get back to the heights reached in recent years. Never.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Carmelo Anthony (6-8, 230)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Sheldon Williams (6-9, 250)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Nene (6-11, 250)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Arron Afflalo (6-5, 215)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Chauncey Billups (6-3, 202)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, F Leon Powe, F Joey Graham.
Nuggets – F Chris Andersen, F Kenyon Martin.
OFFICIALS
Tom Washington, Tony Brown, David Guthrie

UTAH JAZZ (26-13) 121, CAVS (8-31) 99
at EnergySolutions Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio
Tonight at 9

WHAT HAPPENED: Everyone was anxious to see how the Cavs would react in Friday's game after getting obliterated by the Lakers by 55 points. Well, they played hard against the Jazz, who was simply a better team.

Forward J.J. Hickson played extremely hard. He just didn't play very smart. He came close to his first career triple-double, but it won't be one he wanted to remember. He had 21 points, 14 rebounds and nine turnovers.

He did play with fire and really hit the boards. The Cavs outrebounded the Jazz, 43-35.

The real problem on Friday was turnovers. The Cavs had 21 turnovers. For much of the season, the Cavs were near the top of the league in fewest turnovers. If they are going to start getting careless with the ball, look out. Things could get uglier than they have been.

By the way, Saturday's game in Denver - the final game of the West Coast trip - should be one for the record books. The Cavs don't normally play well there to begin with.

Jazz guard Deron Williams and Cavs guard Mo Williams have met on the court nine times during their NBA careers. Deron Williams has averaged 17 points and 9.8 assists against his Cavs counterpart. The Cavs guard has averaged 11.8 points and 5.0 assists vs. Deron Williams.

The Cavs have lost their last 12 games, including 22 out of the last 23.

Forward Antawn Jamison played his 900th game against Utah. He will become one of 23 active players with at least 900 games played and one of only three players all-time to have at least 17,000 career points, 7,000 career rebounds, 900 three-pointers made and 900 career games (Dirk Nowitzki and Scottie Pippen are the others).

STARTERS
SF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Andrei Kirilenko (6-9, 235)
PF J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Paul Millsap (6-8, 250)
C Ryan Hollins (7-0, 240) vs. Al Jefferson (6-10, 265)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Raja Bell (6-5, 206)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Deron Williams (6-3, 207)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, F Leon Powe, F Joey Graham.
Jazz – F Jeremy Evans.
OFFICIALS
James Capers, Mark Lindsay, Sean Wright.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (28-11) 112, CAVS (8-30) 57
at Staples Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: I'm sorry. This is not NBA basketball.

Let's get some of this stuff out of the way. The Cavs have been in existence for 41 years. They have never scored as few as 57 points in a game. It was their franchise low in points, surpassing their 59-point effort on March 25, 1997, in San Antonio. I remember that game vividly. I was there. We had the record books out at halftime furiously checking the all-time records.

But back to the present. They didn’t compete at the Staples Center on Tuesday. They looked intimidated from the start. They played scared. One might expect that from the youngsters on the roster. But I'm talking about many of the veterans, including Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison.

The 55-point loss was their worst ever, and by far the most lopsided in the NBA this season. The Cavs’ previous worst loss came in their first year of inception, Nov. 2, 1970, in a 141-87 defeat at Philadelphia. For the wiseacres out there, I wasn't at that game.

It also represented their worst loss ever to the Lakers.

Former Cavs forward LeBron James sure enjoyed the debacle. Here's his Tweet from last night: "Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

Sorry, LeBron. But if God was watching this game, he would have changed the channel.

The Cavs have now lost 11 in a row overall, 21 of the last 22 and it was their 17th consecutive loss on the road.

Some of the plus/minus numbers are off the charts. Manny Harris' was -57, Jamison's -46 and Williams -43. You might never see numbers that wild again.

The Lakers' height caused them problems from the start. Remember, the Cavs have only one 7-footer on the roster, Ryan Hollins, and he's lacking in many areas.

I've got to question why the Cavs allowed rookie guard Christian Eyenga (sprained right ankle) to play. He was injured in the Phoenix game on Sunday, wore a walking boot to practice on Monday and was allowed to play against the Lakers. Of course, he re-injured his ankle. Not a sound decision all the way around.

The only bright spot on the night was the play of forward Alonzo Gee, who had a career-high 12 points, eight rebounds, three steals and a block.

Guard Daniel Gibson (sprained ankle) has rejoined the team in Los Angeles. There's an outside shot he'll be able to play against Utah on Friday.

PROBABLE STARTERS
SF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Ron Artest (6-7, 260)
PF J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Pau Gasol (7-0, 250)
C Ryan Hollins (7-0, 240) vs. Andrew Bynum (7-0, 280)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Kobe Bryant (6-6, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Derek Fisher (6-1, 210)
PROJECTED INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, F Leon Powe, F Joey Graham.
Lakers – F Matt Barnes, C Theo Ratliff.
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson, Marat Kogut, Olandis Poole.

PHOENIX SUNS (15-20) 108, CAVS (8-29) 100
at U.S. Airways Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: Things can't get much worse for the Cavs.

Perhaps their best player, center Anderson Varejao, will be missed for the season with a torn tendon in his left foot.

Cavs coach Byron Scott finally inserted J.J. Hickson at center. What was he waiting on? He's their best option at center. He responded with 23 points and a season-high 17 rebounds.

The Cavs have hit Skid Row. They've lost 10 in a row, 20 of 21 overall, and 16 consecutive losses on the road. They are 0-2 on their current five-game West Coast trip.

They played a quite entertaining game on Sunday. They led much of the game before their execution fell apart in the late going.

Guard Manny Harris keeps getting better. He had a career-high 27 points and eight rebounds on Sunday.

STARTERS
SF Chris Eyenga (6-6, 210) vs. Grant Hill (6-8, 225)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Channing Frye (6-11, 245)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Robin Lopez (7-0, 255)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Vince Carter (6-6, 220)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Steve Nash (6-3, 178)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, F Leon Powe, C Anderson Varejao.
Suns – F Gani Lawal.
OFFICIALS
Dan Crawford, Matt Boland, Brian Forte

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (15-21) 116, CAVS (8-28) 98
at Oracle Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs had just 10 players available, nine if you don't count forward Jamario Moon. He can't get off the bench unless there's an earthquake. Oh, wait, there was one on Friday in California and he still didn't get off the bench.

Guys are dropping like flies. Anderson Varejao sprained his ankle in practice. Boobie Gibson and Leon Powe didn't even make the trip. Swingman Anthony Parker was also out.

Joey Graham is still out with a strained quad muscle, but I can't even remember what he looks like.

The Warriors lead the league in 3-point shooting at 40 percent as a team. Of course, the Cavs allowed them to make 14 of 28 from behind the arc. It was a point of emphasis coming into the game, which means absolutely nothing. The players aren't executing anything they are being told.

It seems like a "perfect" time to go on a five-game West Coast trip. They'll be gone 10 or 11 days. They've now lost nine in a row, 19 of the last 20, and 15 consecutive games on the road.

I wasn't expecting a banner year from these lads, but no one thought it would be this bad. This might be all-time bad. The 1970-71 Cavs - in their first year of inception - won 15 games. The 2010-11 Cavs might make a run at that record.

The Cavs now have the worst record in the NBA. They're going to make a serious run at the No. 1 pick in the draft.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Dorell Wright (6-9, 205)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. David Lee (6-10, 235)
C Ryan Hollins (7-0, 240) vs. Andris Biedrins (6-11, 240)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Monta Ellis (6-3, 185)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Stephen Curry (6-3, 185)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, F Leon Powe, F Joey Graham.
Warriors – G Charlie Bell, G Jeremy Lin.
OFFICIALS
Bob Delaney, Derrick Collins, Michael Smith

* Daniel Gibson suffered a left ankle sprain in last night’s game versus Toronto at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. He was examined today by Cavaliers Head Team Physician Dr. Richard Parker and received an MRI at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health, the results of which confirmed the sprain. Gibson did not travel with the team on their upcoming five-game road trip and will remain in Cleveland to receive treatment at Cleveland Clinic Courts.

* Joey Graham remains Out, but traveled with the team and will continue to receive treatment for his right quad strain.

* Anthony Parker missed last night’s game versus Toronto due to a low back strain. He was examined by Cavaliers Head Team Physician Dr. Richard Parker and received an MRI at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health, which confirmed the strain. He traveled with the team today and will continue to receive treatments. He is listed as Questionable for tomorrow night’s game vs. Golden State.

* Leon Powe experienced a right knee contusion in last night’s game. He did not travel with the team and is currently slated to be re-examined by Dr. Parker at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health tomorrow (Friday). His status will be updated as appropriate.

* Anderson Varejao experienced a left ankle sprain during today’s team practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts. He received an MRI and x-rays at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health which confirmed the sprain. He traveled with the team and will continue to receive treatment during the trip. He is currently listed as Questionable for tomorrow night’s game vs. Golden State.

TORONTO RAPTORS (12-23) 120, CAVS (8-27) 105
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs had an 11-game winning streak against the Raptors at The Q snapped. None of those streaks matter any more. The Cavs are quickly dropping to the bottom of the league.

They really needed this one at home. A team never wants to start a five-game West Coast trip riding an eight-game losing streak. Of course, they've lost 14 in a row on the road and have completely forgotten how to win on the road - or at home for that matter.

The first game on the trip is at Golden State on Friday. One can envision the Warriors ringing up about 125 points on the hapless Cavs. It's becoming one of the worst defensive teams I've ever seen. Not only don't they defend the 3-point line, they don't defend at all.

The Raptors have no post presence. None. Yet they scored 62 points in the paint. In addition, they made 9 of 18 3-point goals. So, the Cavs failed to defend the paint or beyond the arc. Just what are they teaching down there?

I alluded to this in my game story. Whatever point Coach Byron Scott is trying to teach, he'd better take a look at that. It's not getting across on any level.

Granted, the Cavs' roster is not overloaded with talent. But they aren't as bad as they've looked: 18 losses in the last 19 games.

It's become a total joke.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Linas Kleiza (6-8, 245)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Amir Johnson (6-9, 210)
C Anderson Varejao (6-11, 260) vs. Andrea Bargnani (7-0, 250)
SG Daniel Gibson (6-2, 200) vs. DeMar DeRozan (6-7, 220)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Jose Calderon (6-3, 210)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – F Joey Graham, F Jamario Moon, G/F Anthony Parker.
Raptors – F Reggie Evans, F Peja Stojakovic.
OFFICIALS
Jason Phillips, Bennie Adams, Scott Bolnick

DALLAS MAVERICKS (25-8) 104, CAVS (8-26) 95
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: The significance of Sunday's game is that the Cavs might be committed to playing the youngsters more the rest of the way.

The worst record in the NBA is sure to follow.

But many fans hope that's the case. I have done little or no work on the NBA draft. Hopefully, there's some major talent on the board when the Cavs make their pick.

Guard Daniel Gibson missed his second consecutive game with a bruised thigh. With center Anderson Varejao (broken bone in his cheek) already out, that was too much to overcome for the Cavs.

The good news is that guard Mo Williams (hip flexor) returned to the lineup after missing two games. However, he had just five points, seven assists and two blocks.

The Cavs are hoping Varejao will be available on Wednesday against Toronto after he is fitted with a mask.

Dallas snapped its three-game losing streak. The Cavs have lost seven in a row and 17 of the last 18 overall.

STARTERS
SF Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. DeShawn Stevenson (6-5, 218)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Shawn Marion (6-7, 228)
C Leon Powe (6-8, 240) vs. Tyson Chandler (7-1, 235)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Jason Terry (6-2, 180)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Jason Kidd (6-4, 210)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Daniel Gibson, C Anderson Varejao, F Joey Graham.
Mavs – G Rodrique Beaubois, F Dirk Nowitzki, G/F Caron Butler.
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson, Olandis Poole, Sean Wright

CHICAGO BULLS (22-10) 100, CAVS (8-25) 91
at United Center
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: Despite missing three starters, the Cavs put up a spirited fight against the Central Division-leading Bulls.

The Cavs have lost six in a row, 16 of the last 17 overall, and 14 in a row on the road. They just finished off a 1-14 month of December. Will January be any better? Maybe not.

Center Anderson Varejao didn't even make the trip to the Windy City. He broke a bone in his cheek.

The Cavs' starting backcourt - Mo Williams (left hip flexor) and Daniel Gibson (left thigh contusion) - was also on the sidelines.

They ran into the red-hot Bulls, who have won 13 of their last 15 games. That has occurred despite the right hand/thumb injury to starting center Joakim Noah.

The Bulls have stuck 38-year-old Kurt Thomas into the starting lineup, and they haven't missed a beat.

The Cavs might have won Saturday's game had it not been outscored, 32-9, in the third quarter.

They also kept it close in the first meeting with the Bulls on Dec. 8, but point guard Derrick Rose took over late and guided his team to an 88-83 win. He finished with 29 points and eight assists.

He had a game-high 28 points and 11 assists on Saturday. The Bulls also got 23 points from Luol Deng and 20 points and 11 rebounds from former Cavs forward Carlos Boozer.

For the Cavs, forward J.J. Hickson had his best game in a month with 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. He made 9 of 16 from the field.

He's starting to make a stand for more playing time. In his last four games, he’s averaging 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds and shooting 51.2 percent from the field (22 of 43).

In the fourth quarter, Coach Byron Scott allowed Anthony Parker to run the point. He had a team-high eight assists. He just couldn't make a shot. He was 3 of 14 from the field, 1 of 6 from behind the arc.

If he could have made a couple shots in the fourth quarter, the Cavs might have won the game.

STARTERS
SF Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Luol Deng (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Carlos Boozer (6-9, 266)
C Leon Powe (6-8, 240) vs. Kurt Thomas (6-9, 230)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. Keith Bogans (6-5, 215)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 190) vs. Derrick Rose (6-3, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – G Christian Eyenga, C Anderson Varejao, F Joey Graham.
Bulls – C Joakim Noah, G John Lucas.
OFFICIALS
Marc Davis, Pat Fraher, Derek Richardson