Preview: Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Clippers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Staples Center.

This will be LeBron James’ third game back on the court after missing eight because of knee and back soreness. In his first two games back, James had 33 and 36 points, respectively.

The Clippers have won six of their last eight games, most recently beating the Trail Blazers in Portland, 100-94. In that game, the Clippers held the Trail Blazers, who are one of the league’s top three-point shooting teams, to six-for-26 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Clippers (26-13) are in sixth place in the Western Conference while the Cavaliers (20-20) are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers haven’t won two consecutive games on the road since a three-game run from Dec. 4-8. The Clippers are 17-6 on their home court.

The Clippers made some moves Thursday, acquiring Austin Rivers in a deal that involved the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers sent forward Reggie Bullock to the Suns. The Celtics received Suns forward Shavlik Randolph, Clippers forward Chris Douglas-Roberts and the Clippers’ 2017 second-round draft pick.

The Clippers then waived backup guard Jordan Farmar on Friday.