Cleveland Cavaliers Team Report - February 23

(Basketball News) - Fresh off a successful All-Star weekend, LeBron James will look to take his play to yet another level tonight when he anchors the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Chicago Bulls at Gund Arena.

James went undefeated in a pair of games during All-Star weekend, as he led the Sophomores past the Rookies in the Rookie Challenge and aided the East in its victory over the West in the All-Star Game on Sunday night.

Cleveland split its last four games prior to the break, including a 94-88 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. James had 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Cavs, who had a two-game win streak halted and lost for just the second time in six outings. James left the game during a four-minute stretch in the fourth quarter due to the flu, but returned only to see his club blow a late lead.

Fellow All-Star Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Cavs. Drew Gooden chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Jeff McInnis chipped in 17 points in the victory.

Cleveland shot 42.4 percent, including 3-of-10 (.300) from three-point range in the loss. The Cavs also hit 13-of-18 (.722) from the free throw line in the contest.

The Cavaliers will have a new player in uniform tonight, as they have recently signed rookie forward James Thomas to a 10-day contract. Thomas spent time with Portland earlier this season. Cleveland is also supposed to have Ira Newble (Achilles’) back in the starting lineup tonight.

Cleveland has been outstanding at home this season, posting a 20-5 record. The Cavaliers, who are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, have won six of seven and nine of their last 11 home tilts.

The Cavaliers currently reside fourth in the Eastern Conference, eight games behind frontrunner Miami. Cleveland is also 2 1/2 games behind Detroit for the Central Division lead.

Following tonight’s game against Chicago, the Cavs will travel to Indiana to battle the Pacers on Friday evening. The Cavs will then close out their week against New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.