Darron Cummings - AP
about 22 hours ago: Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) works against Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Now that LeBron James is in Miami, the Cleveland Cavaliers will try to continue their recent dominance of the Central Division-rival Indiana Pacers when the two teams collide tonight at Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland took three of four meetings a year ago and has won 16 of the last 19 meetings between the teams. The Pacers have lost 11 of 13 games at the Q.
The Cavaliers began a three-game homestand with Wednesday's 95-87 loss versus New Jersey, as J.J. Hickson scored 15 points and Antawn Jamison added 14 points and nine boards. The Cavs had a three-game winning streak stopped.
"They outworked us, especially in the fourth quarter," Cleveland head coach Byron Scott said. "You have to give them credit. They did a much better job of staying with our guys and getting through screens. We have a young team and we're going to learn from this."
Cleveland will also host Philadelphia on the residency. On the injury front for the Cavs, center Anderson Varejao (ribs) is questionable and guard Mo Williams (groin) is listed as doubtful for Saturday.
Indiana, meanwhile, suffered a 102-99 loss versus Houston Friday night and got 19 points from James Posey in defeat.
Roy Hibbert added 18 points with eight rebounds for the Pacers, who have lost three of their last four games. Danny Granger netted 17 points.
"They got it done on both ends," Posey said of the Rockets. "They came up with key rebounds on both ends of the floor and made shots when they had the opportunity."
Indiana, which was coming off a 144-113 win over Denver and scored a franchise-best 54 points in the third quarter, committed 22 personal fouls last night that led to 17 made free throws for the Rockets.
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