LeBron James Returns To Cleveland: Let's Go Heat!

I'm looking forward to LeBron James returning to Cleveland tonight to take on the Cavs. Of course, I sop up all the NBA can offer so I'd also look forward to a Timberwolves vs. Clippers tilt if that was on TNT tonight.

For the media horde's monitoring the situation at the Q all day - some serious thumb twiddling going on no doubt -- the actual game will be a bit anticlimactic, overshadowed by the pre-game introductions and the post-game reactions. At least I hope so.

No surprises during the game means the Heat will handle the Cavs and keep them safely tucked behind the Pacers in the standings. I've enjoyed the guilty pleasure of scoreboard watching early in the season, a luxury we haven't had around here for a few years. Even the late season runs at the playoffs that involved following the nightly results were only half-hearted, since the lottery actually seemed more appropriate at the time.

But for now, the playoffs are a legit option so it's never too early to track the daily results. I know I should probably root against Miami because the Pacers are only a game behind the Heat, but let's face it, while I hope the team has their sights set on keeping pace with the Heat, I'll stay in reality and hope the team can run ahead of those teams currently behind them in the standings.

Of course, if the Cavs put together a great effort and have a shot at the W down the stretch, I might just change my rooting interest.

While waiting on the tip tonight, enjoy a couple of takes on the LeBron circus taking over Cleveland tonight.

• From Cleveland To Miami And Back: LeBron James Is The 2010 Sportsman Of The Year - SBNation.com
  "LeBron James returns to Cleveland on Thursday to take on the Cavaliers as a member of the Miami Heat. But before that, let's take a step back to recognize LeBron for what he is: The Sportsman of the Year." Love the last line of this piece, too. Check it out.
• LeBron James' Return To Cleveland Highlights How Much His Departure Hurt Cavaliers - SBNation.com
  LeBron James returns to Cleveland tonight as a member of the Miami Heat, which only highlights how much his departure has hurt the Cavaliers on the court.