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.

Hey Fanatics...we're north of the border on the Great Lakes tour - Erie to Ontario to Superior, with Minnesota waiting on Friday.

This will be a tough one because I think the Raptors will be back in the playoffs. The addition of Hedo Turkoglu and Jarrett Jack will be impactful, in all, there are 9 new Raptors, so they may need a little time to find some chemistry.

Shaq and Bosh will be one of the matchups to watch of course. The last time they faced each other, Shaq lit up the Raps for 45 big ones, on 20 of 25 shooting. Bosh complained that night, that Shaq was able to camp in the lane for an eternity, and Shaq then shot back saying the man they call CB4 is the RuPaul of big men. I would imagine most is forgotten now, but this time, Bosh will see the Big Witness Protection, along side LeBron.

Remember, this is where Bosh's cousin was bending LBJ's ear courtside during a Cavs dramatic comeback two seasons ago in a January matinee. He scored 24 in the 4th, and told the female fan she shouldn't have motivated him with the verbal taunts.

See you tonight on the broadcast on Fox Sports Ohio, beginning at 6:30 p.m.!!

You asked, we answered!

Thanks for sending in your questions for "Throwin' the Hammer Down," we've seen a lot of great ones so far.  As the season gets underway tonight, A.C. and I sat down to answer a few of them...

What's up Fanatics!

I'm sure you all are as excited about the start of the new season as I am! And new seasons usually mean a lot of questions...so we're giving you the opportunity to ask what's on your mind...

After its successful debut during the 2009 Playoffs, we're bringing back "Throwin' the Hammer Down" with A.C. and I!  We want you fanatics to post your questions here, and we'll pick some of the best ones to answer on video for you.  Keep 'em coming, and we'll keep answering periodically throughout the year. 

So whether you want to know how the offense is going to operate this year, or what the players do for fun on off-days, ask away!

Submit you question here!