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James, Cavaliers look for fourth straight home win

Dec 15, 2006 - 4:19 PM Seattle (10-13) at Cleveland (13-8) 7:30 pm EST

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- While LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled on the road this season, they have been a different team at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Cavaliers aim for their fourth consecutive home win Friday when they face the injury-riddled Seattle SuperSonics.

A preseason favorite to contend for the Eastern Conference title, Cleveland has overcome its early road woes by going 10-2 at home, the best mark in the conference.

The Cavs overcame a poor effort by James on Wednesday and held on for a 104-101 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

James finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, but shot just 6-of-17 from the floor and committed six turnovers. Larry Hughes scored 16 points in his first start since November 15 and reserve Anderson Varejao added 16 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which has won four of its last six.

The SuperSonics limp into Friday's contest after opening their five-game road trip with two losses. Playing without Ray Allen and Earl Watson, the Sonics dropped a 99-84 decision to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Allen is nursing an injured foot and did not accompany the team on the road trip while Watson was sidelined with a back contusion. Rashard Lewis scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Wednesday for the Sonics, who also were without Danny Fortson (knee).

Seattle has won three of its last four meetings with Cleveland.