Cavs, J.R. Smith Wrap Up Preseason Against Wizards in Columbus

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

? 7:00 PM EST
? Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
? @FOXSportsOH
? @WMMS 100.7 FM, y La Mega 87.7FM

– Cavs (2-3, preseason): The defending NBA champion Cavaliers will be looking for improvement tonight after dropping a close one to the Bulls on Friday inside The United Center [118-108].

The city of Columbus, Ohio is ready to welcome the 2016 NBA champion Cavaliers with open arms for their final preseason tune-up.

It’s a well-known fact that LeBron James has always loved everything about The Ohio State University. James was recently quoted in an interview with www.Ohio.com, saying:

“No matter where I go in the world, no matter where it is, I will always rock Ohio State colors.”

In a post-practice interview at Cleveland Clinic Courts on Monday, Cavs Head Coach Tyronn Lue spoke to members of the media with regards to Cleveland’s expected starting lineup for their upcoming match-up at The Schottenstein Center.

#Cavs Ty Lue: "JR practiced today, he looked good." So did Channing Frye. Everyone will play Tuesday at Ohio St. JR will play, may start.

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) October 17, 2016

#Cavs coach Ty Lue said he will play JR Smith 12-13 min at OSU tomorrow, might bring him off bench so he can get big ovation from crowd

— Marla Ridenour (@MRidenourABJ) October 17, 2016

After passing his required physical examination and participating in Monday’s practice, a motivated J.R. Smith had a few words with the media as well.

JR Smith on #Cavs buzz entering season: "Believe it or not, we're still not the talk of (the league)."

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) October 17, 2016

The Cavs begin their 2016-17 regular season campaign against the New York Knicks on October 25th inside Quicken Loans Arena. Fans from around the world are anxiously anticipating the opening night festivities, as Cleveland is set to hoist their first NBA championship banner.

* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Kyrie Irving (6′-3″, 193 lbs)
(SG) Iman Shumpert (6′-5″, 220 lbs)
(SF) LeBron James (6′-8″, 250 lbs)
(PF) Kevin Love (6′-10″, 251 lbs)
(PF) Tristan Thompson (6′-10″, 238 lbs)

* Cavaliers injury report *

(None to report)

– Wizards (2-3, pre-season): Washington will be trying to get back into the win column in Columbus as well after their disappointing [124-119] loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.

Washington’s front-court will have a new look this year, as they’ve inked center Ian Mahinmi and power forward Andrew Nicholson in the offseason.

With John Wall and Bradley Beal in the back-court, the Wizards can be a formidable opponent for any opposing side.

Newly-appointed Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks will be trying to lead a talented group of players into the postseason after the team failed to make the playoffs last year under former Head Coach Randy Wittman.

* Wizards projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) John Wall (6′-4″, 210 lbs)
(SG) Bradley Beal (6′-5″, 207 lbs)
(SF) Otto Porter Jr. (6′-8″, 198 lbs)
(PF) Markeiff Morris (6′-10″, 245 lbs)
(C) Marcin Gortat (6′-11″, 240 lbs)

* Wizards injury report *

– (C) Jason Smith (oblique): Questionable
– (C) Ian Mahinmi (knee): Out

* All stats and information via www.basketball-reference.com, www.rotoworld.com, www.nba.com, www.espn.com, Elias Sports Bureau, and The Associated Press *