The Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) are off to a bit of a bumpy start since winning the NBA eastern title last season.  But, none of their games have been easy.  Their two loses have came on the road against Dallas and Phoenix, both title challengers.  Their win came at home against the New York Knicks.  Once again they have to travel across the country to take on the 2-2 Utah Jazz.  The Jazz have been knocking on the door of the NBA’s elite for quite some time, and would finally like to make another deep run in the playoffs, something missing since the combination of “Stockton to Malone” left some years ago.

Now leading Utah is an emerging star, Deron Williams.  Williams is averaging 24.5 points and nearly ten assists a game so far.  If he could maintain those numbers he could be looking at an MVP trophy come summer. His main partner in crime is Andrei Kirilenko, who has already come close to getting a triple-double this year.  Kirilenko is a do it all on the court.

When you think of the Cavs, you think of one man, Lebron James.  James almost single handedly got his team to the NBA finals last year and if they are hoping to repeat that performance it looks like he may have to lead the way again.  James and his 27.3 points per game are among the top of the league.  He is also a near triple-double threat every time out. 

The early schedule for the Cavs has been brutal.  I can’t see them winning in Utah, but they will be a better team in the future because of this tough start. 

At the time of this writing Miami is off to an 0-3 start and are still without the services of their top player Dwayne Wade.  Things will not get any better for the Heat, as they travel to San Antonio to take the 3-0 Spurs.  Miami was hoping that Shaq would have a return to form of some years ago, but instead they have been led by Ricky Davis.  Davis, always a borderline star in the NBA, is averaging 16 points and six rebounds a game in the early going.  O’Neal on the other hand has only been able to score 11 points with six rebounds.  They new the time would come that Shaq would eventually where out after a long NBA career of getting beat up on, but they were hoping for another year or two of production before it happened. 

The Spurs are looking like they are ready to defend their title.  As usual, they are led by Tim Duncan.  Duncan is averaging over 18 points and ten rebounds a game.  He can still fill the basket if he needs to, but with teammates like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili there is no reason to push himself.

Miami has played ok, losing all their games but just a few points each.  But, I don’t see how they will be able to beat San Antonio in their gym, especially if they aren’t at full strength. 

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