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Red-hot Cavaliers look to extend winning streak to seven

Dec 5, 2008 - 11:24 AM Indiana (7-11) at Cleveland (15-3), 7:30pm EST

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- LeBron James has been getting plenty of rest for most of the season. The superstar forward has played 40 or more minutes just three times, primarily because his Cleveland Cavaliers have been on cruise control.

He will revisit one of his toughest matchups of the campaign on Friday, as the Cavaliers put their six-game winning streak on the line against the Indiana Pacers.

During their current six-game stretch, the Cavs have registered five blowouts. The one "close" ballgame was a 97-85 triumph over Milwaukee on November 29, that saw James drop 32 points, seven boards and five assists in 41 minutes. But they followed that up with a 118-82 rout of the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

James logged just 17 minutes against Oklahoma City, 31 against Golden State, 30 against the Knicks on November 25 and 28 against them on Wednesday.

Next, he faces a Pacers squad that took Cleveland to the brink nearly a month ago. Danny Granger scored 33 points to lead the Pacers, but the Cavs exploded for 40 points in the fourth quarter to rally from behind for a 111-07 triumph.

James and Mo Williams combined for 48 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and four blocks.

The Pacers have had an up-and-down season, defeating the likes of the Lakers and Celtics but failing to find much offensive continuity. They were hammered, 114-96, in their rematch with Boston on Wednesday.