Next up, Orlando, and a rematch with the Magic...

J.J. Hickson's sudden starting role caught him by surprise, but he loved being on the floor with the regulars and played more relaxed.

LeBron said kudos to Mike for coming up with the switch that helps J.J. and gives the Cavs juice off the bench with Andy's boundless energy.  He's on the second unit where he first made his mark in this league, and out there with Z takes advantage of their chemistry.

Mike says he'll continue to look at the change as he ponders other rotation combinations...again, he's like that chef looking to combine the right ingredients to come up with a masterpiece.

All in due time...

Wizards and Cavs will always stir the pot when it comes to fans, here and in DC, 3 straight playoff series will do that. According to DeShawn Stevenson, when the Wiz came to town last month for their preseason game, the player got off their bus at Hopkins, and an airport attendant said "I hate you", obviously not forgetting his silly comment two seasons ago, that LeBron is overrated. He's coming off the bench these days, but will still get his usual Cleveland greeting tonight.

Z says he's actually enjoying coming off the bench more than he thought he would. He's coming off the 5 block effort against Charlotte, and has scored 25 points over the past 2 games, shooting 12 of 19 from the floor. The big fella says he has been able to stay loose in between warm-ups and when he comes into the game. He says the secret is Flexall - that's the topical muscle pain relieving gel. Seriously though, Z says he's been keeping loose on the bench, verbally helping the young guys, and generally staying ready, which you knew he would. Even in the preseason when Shaq did not play or when Andy missed a game, Z told Mike to keep bringing him off the bench, so he could catch that rhythm.

On another note, it's an annual rookie chore to chase loose basketballs in the stands and today, after practice, LeBron and the vets got to punt them into the 2^nd deck. So you guessed it...Danny Green had to go get 'em one, by one. LBJ is also a left footed kicker in addition to writing and eating with his left hand by the way (he had good hang time). Danny's sure looking forward to being a vet!

See you on the broadcast at 6:30.