(My Sportsbook) - The Eastern Conference's top team takes on the West's worst in Sacramento on Friday, when LeBron James and the
Cleveland Cavaliers arrive in California's capital to take on the Kings with a chance to clinch the Central Division title.
James will also be aiming to become the first player to record four consecutive triple-doubles in nearly 20 years. The last player to record three straight triple-doubles was Jason Kidd, who did it from January 4-8, 2008 while with New Jersey Nets. Meanwhile, no player has had a streak of more than three straight since Michael Jordan notched seven in a row for Chicago in March and April of 1989.
The Cavs, who are finishing up a three-game road trip, improved to 2-0 on the trek Thursday. James notched his sixth triple-double of the season with 34 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, while Mo Williams exploded for 30 points in Cleveland's 119-111 victory over Phoenix.
James also recorded a triple-double in Cleveland's 87-83 win over the Clippers on Tuesday, and also last Saturday in the Cavs' 99-89 victory over Miami.
Sasha Pavlovic added 16 points off the bench, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas donated 15 points for the Cavaliers, who improved to 21-4 against the Western Conference this season and 22-12 as the visitor.
The win also put Cleveland on the brink of just its second division title. A victory tonight or a Detroit loss in Toronto and the Cavs would secure their first Central Division crown since 1975-76.
Cleveland did get banged up against the Suns, however. James suffered a left knee contusion but is listed as probable for tonight's game. Ilgauskas suffered a broken nose in the second half but did not leave the game and is listed as probable for tonight. Meanwhile, guard Delonte West suffered a left low back contusion during the third quarter and is listed as questionable.
The Kings fell to 1-2 on a four-game homestand Tuesday, when Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook scored 22 points each and the Oklahoma City Thunder notched a 99-98 victory over Sacramento.
Spencer Hawes had 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Kings, who were coming off a rare win, just their fourth in the last 24 games. Francisco Garcia scored 18 and Andres Nocioni 16 in the loss.
Sacramento's top scorer, guard Kevin Martin, did not play the final 15 minutes of the loss to the Thunder with an ankle injury and is questionable for tonight.
The Cavs have won five straight and six of their last seven games against the Kings, including a 117-110 win in Cleveland earlier this season.