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Cavs, Wizards collide in D.C.

Mar 3, 2012 - 4:01 PM (Sports Network) - A pair of Eastern Conference inhabitants trying to stop lengthy losing streaks get together tonight in the nation's capital, as the Washington Wizards play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Washington is mired in a six-game slide and will continue a five-game homestand that began with Wednesday's 102-95 loss to Orlando.

John Wall scored a game-high 33 points in the loss, while Jordan Crawford chipped in 18 for Washington, which has dropped eight of 10 overall and four straight at the Verizon Center.

"They came out and hit a lot of threes, got the big lead, but we fought back," said Crawford, who is averaging 20.4 points in his last seven games. "We have to just keep competing. We've been losing a couple games we should have won, and we have to turn it around."

Washington's JaVale McGee saw his streak of 68- straight starts, dating back to Feb. 1, 2011 in New Orleans, come to end. He finished with nine points and six rebounds off the bench. The Wizards will also host the Warriors, Lakers and Blazers on the residency and are just 4-14 at home.

Wall is averaging 19.4 points, 8.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds over the past 24 contests. Wizards power forward Andray Blatche is probable for tonight because of a strained calf and has missed the past 15 games. Blatche is four points shy of 4,000 career points. Guard Nick Young (knee) is expected to miss tonight's game and forward Rashard Lewis (knee) is doubtful.

Cleveland didn't have No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving in Friday's 112-91 loss to Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls, but hopes to have the Duke product back on the floor Saturday night.

Antawn Jamison paced the Cavaliers with 22 points and Ramon Sessions finished with 16 for Cleveland, which has dropped four in a row. Rose, the reigning MVP, posted 19 points, nine assists and three steals, and caught the eye of Cavs head coach Byron Scott.

"When you're coming down in transition, he's just one of those guys that has an unbelievable ability to get to the basket," Scott said about Rose.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau had some nice things to say about Scott's team.

"I think Cleveland is a really good, young team," Thibodeau said. "We caught a break with Irving being out, but Sessions is playing really well for them."

The Cavaliers will try to stop a three-game slide on the road and are just 5-10 outside of Quicken Loans Arena this season. They haven't won as the guest since Jan. 29 at Boston.

Cleveland and Washington split four meetings a year ago. The Cavs haven't fared too well lately in D.C., losing six of seven and 14 of the previous 17 matchups there.