Pregame Dribbles: Cavs Get Woeful Wizards After Unofficial NBA Bye Week

Random dribbles ahead of the Cavaliers’ home game against the Washington Wizards on Friday (7 p.m. EST). …

1. Finally, a game. It feels like a month since the Cavs have played. It’s only been five days.

2. Basically, not qualifying for the NBA Cup knockout rounds was the best thing that happened. The Cavs could’ve used the break. After tonight, they don’t play again until Monday (at Brooklyn).

3. So this has basically acted as a bye week for a most NBA teams. Just when we thought the league couldn’t fly any more under the radar.

4. Speaking of, yes, I will occasionally post on the dip in television ratings and this being the time of year when it’s tough for the league to draw eyeballs. But it makes no difference to me. All that I care about is that I love covering the league and you seem to enjoy reading and listening about it.

5. And the Cavs always do well when it comes to regional ratings. Their fans are incredibly engaged — that much we know.

6. Anyway, this is a game the Cavs (21-4) will strive to put away quickly, just as they did last time they faced the woeful Wizards (3-19). Plus, Washington has already won a game in December, so you know it probably won’t happen again for a month.

7. Max Strus was expected by many to make his season debut tonight after a report from ESPN stated he would. Apparently, that news was wrong. Per the NBA’s official injury report, Strus remains out. 

8. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley is listed as questionable after suffering a sprained ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Heat. If he’s at all questionable, I wouldn’t play him. Forgive me for being honest, but it’s the Wizards. Why risk it?

9. On the bright side, Isaac Okoro (knee) is probable to return. Also on the bright side, the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and the rest are feeling fine. That should be enough to get back on the winning track here.

10. Have you noticed that Mitchell’s numbers are pretty much down across the board? I wrote about it here. It’s great for the Cavs, all part of the plan. Teamwork is making the dream work. 

11. And the benefit of having a super star is that he can take over when all else fails. Mitchell has done that again a few times already this season. I truly think this has been his best year as a pro when it comes to being a complete player and winner.

12. Same goes for Garland and several others. Can Kenny Atkinson and the Cavs keep it going? Why, yes they can, as I said in my interview with Kenny Roda that can be heard right here.

13. Should I end on Dribble No. 13 given how it’s Friday the 13th? I think I should. It will make things extra scary.

14. Sorry, couldn’t do it. But I will end here. I have much, much more on our Cavs page. Also, the Full Court Cleveland show, with Booby Gibson, can be viewed right here. I can’t attend the game tonight because of a family committment. But I can watch and I will Dribble after. Unless Jason gets to me first.