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

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Game 47: Cavs at 76ers

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (28-22) 103, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (17-30) 85

Wells Fargo Center
Tuesday
Radio/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio/NBA TV


WHAT HAPPENED: The wheels are coming off the Cavs. They appear to be going through the motions. The fire and drive from earlier in the season is long gone. I have a sneaking suspicion that the players know things are hopeless.

First, Anderson Varejao went down, followed by the trade of Ramon Sessions and now the season-ending injury to Boobie Gibson. There is a manpower shortage.

Instead of looking at this as an opportunity to show themselves, players are starting to show signs of packing it in. They've lost four in a row and seven of the last eight. Their only win in that stretch is against New Jersey, which is in the same boat.

You know something is wrong when it's Anthony Parker who leads the Cavs in scoring with 14 points.

Coach Byron Scott ran them ragged in practice on Monday. He said they haven't run as much in practice since training camp. If they're going to look sluggish in Tuesday's game, Scott said he'll know why. They were, and he's still searching for answers.

The Cavs have lost their last four games to the Sixers. Philadelphia ran them off the court on Feb. 11 at The Q, 99-84.

The Sixers' backcourt was devastating once again. Their starters outscored the Cavs' backcourt, 50-26. They also bullied the Cavs in scoring in the paint, 54-24.

All-Star Andre Iguodala didn't even play due to left patella tendinitis.

The Sixers are first in points allowed (87.6) and opponents' field-goal percentage (41.9). They also have the fewest turnovers in the NBA (11.0).  

NOTES: Former Cavs point guard Ben Uzoh signed a 10-day contract with Toronto on Tuesday. Ex-Cavs guard and native Clevelander Earl Boykins signed a 10-day with Houston.

UP NEXT: The Cavs host Detroit at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Jodie Meeks (6-4, 208)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Elton Brand (6-9, 254)
C Tristan Thompson (6-9, 227) vs. Spencer Hawes (7-1, 245)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Evan Turner (6-7, 205)
PG Kyrie Irving (6-3, 191) vs. Jrue Holiday (6-4, 180) 
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Luke Harangody
76ers - none
OFFICIALS




Tony Brothers,  Rodney Mott,  James Williams








 






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