Phoenix @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 13, 2018 ) Cleveland 129, Phoenix 107

The Cleveland Cavaliers have their eyes on the stretch drive as they enter Friday's home contest against the lowly Phoenix Suns. The Cavaliers are looking for their fourth straight win and are coming off a strong effort in a 132-129 comeback victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors.

Cleveland stands third in the Eastern Conference and is focused on making an upcoming playoff run, and Wednesday's home win over Toronto could prove to be a catalyst. "It's a good win for us because of how depleted we are on our roster and everything that's been going on," All-Star forward LeBron James said. "It's a good win for us against a very good opponent, but I don't need to remind anybody about what my teams are capable of doing." The winning streak should continue against the sinking Suns, who have lost nine straight games and 24 of their past 26. Phoenix will likely be without its top two scorers in shooting guard Devin Booker (24.9 points) and small forward TJ Warren (19.6) due to injuries.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Ohio (Cleveland)

ABOUT THE SUNS (19-53): Booker (hand) is questionable after missing the past two games and Warren (knee) is doubtful after missing Tuesday's 115-88 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Phoenix interim coach Jay Triano said he has no plans to shut either player down for the season, stating professionals play until the end and Booker shares a similar standpoint. "Like I've always said, I love the game of basketball," Booker told reporters. "Those decisions aren't up to me, so I control what I control. If I feel I'm healthy to play, I'm going to play."

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (42-29): Guard George Hill emerged from a slump to contribute 22 points on 10-of-11 shooting against Toronto for his second-highest output since being acquired from the Sacramento Kings in early February. "I've been playing like (bleep) the last couple weeks," Hill told reporters. "I've been hard on myself, staying in the gym with our coaches and things like that, shooting more, watching more film and just trying to figure out how I can find myself again." The timing of Hill's emergence was big with the roster depleted by the absences of center Tristan Thompson (ankle), swingman Rodney Hood (back) and power forward Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring).

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Cavaliers won the past six meetings, including a 129-107 road win on March 13.

2. Cleveland swingman Kyle Korver will miss his second consecutive contest after his 27-year-old brother, Kirk, died on Tuesday due to a sudden illness.

3. Phoenix C Alex Len had 19 points and 12 rebounds against Detroit for his 50th career double-double.

PREDICTION: Cavaliers 119, Suns 93