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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Game 69: Magic at Cavs

ORLANDO MAGIC (45-26) 97, CAVS (13-56) 86
at Quicken Loans Arena
RADIO/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio


WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs have lost nine of their last 11 games. They were short-handed, again, for the Magic game, as point guard Baron Davis was held out because of back spasms. Coach Byron Scott said he'd like to see him practice first before he puts him back in a game.

The plan is for Davis to practice on Tuesday and then face New Jersey at The Q on Wednesday.

Also, center Semih Erden is questionable for the Magic because of shoulder and groin issues.

Whenever the Cavs face the Magic, it's always a case of how are they going to slow down center Dwight Howard. It seemed like the 6-foot-11, 275-pounder was playing against eighth-graders on Monday (I have to admit I stole that line on Twitter). He finished with 28 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks - all game highs. None of the Cavs' bigs were able to defend him. Ryan Hollins might have done the best job on the night.

The Cavs have lost their last six games against the Magic, including their last three at The Q. They lost the season series, 0-4, to the Magic. They lost the four games by a combined 53 points - an average of 13 points per game.

Once again, Coach Byron Scott is hinting at a lineup change.

Here's some possible scenarios:

-- He could replace Ramon Sessions with Baron Davis at PG. That might make the most sense. He talked before the Orlando game about wanting to see Davis in the starting lineup.

-- He could insert Daniel Gibson at SG and move Anthony Parker to SF. Alonzo Gee is just not doing anything. He was 3 of 10 from the field on Monday. Why is he taking 10 shots?

-- One could make a case for bringing Parker off the bench. His shooting has gone kerflooey since the trade deadline.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Hedo Turkoglu (6-10, 220)
PF Samardo Samuels (6-9, 260) vs. Brandon Bass (6-8, 250)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Dwight Howard (6-11, 275)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Jason Richardson (6-6, 225)
PG Ramon Sessions (6-3, 190) vs. Jameer Nelson (6-0, 190)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – F Antawn Jamison, C Anderson Varejao, C Semih Erden.
Magic – C Daniel Orton.
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson,  David Guthrie,  Mark Lindsay

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