Cavs-Nets pregame dribbles: Delly appears ready for Cavs return

Tipoff: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., 7 p.m.

Records: Cavaliers 11-7; Nets 8-10.

TV: FOX Sports Ohio (Cavaliers Live pre-game at 6:30). Radio: WTAM 1100-AM, WMMS 100.7-FM; Cavaliers Radio Network.

Projected Starters

Cavaliers: C Anderson Varejao; PF Kevin Love; SF LeBron James; SG Shawn Marion; PG Kyrie Irving.

Nets: C Miles Plumlee; PF Kevin Garnett; SF Joe Johnson; SG Bojan Bogdanovic; PG Deron Williams.

Injury Report

Cavaliers: G/F Mike Miller (concussion) out; PG Matthew Dellavedova (knee) probable.

Nets: C Brooke Lopez (back) out; Joe Johnson (flu).

Dribbles

1. First things first. Backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova, injured in Game 3 at Portland, is expected to return from a sprained MCL (knee) injury. So in all, Dellavedova has missed 15 games. He doesn't look to score much, but he keeps the ball moving and brings the defensive energy in the backcourt that this team could certainly use.

2. As I wrote yesterday, the Nets will be without starting center Brook Lopez. The guy is very talented, but just can't stay healthy. This time, it's a lower back strain. Lopez is expected to miss at least the next four games.

3. Joe Johnson also missed practice Sunday with a stomach virus. He is expected to play.

4. The Cavs have won six straight overall -- and nine straight when they score 100 points or more. They are 10-1 overall when they hit or surpass the 100-point mark.

5. Additionally, the Cavs are 9-3 vs. the East, and 4-1 on the road vs. the East.

6. Or how about the defense? During the 5-7 start, the Cavs allowed 102.7 points per game and 47.7 field-goal percentage. During the winning streak, it's down 90.7 and 42.3, respectively.

7. For more on the Cavs, Nets and a little bit of trade chatter, check out my Sunday dribbles.

http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-cavaliers-notes-nba-120714