Passion takes to the court in LeBron's return

On the Cavaliers' press release, it is routinely, dispassionately listed as game No. 18, home game No. 10.

But there is nothing routine about tonight's game between the Cavaliers and Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena.

And, for sure, there will be passion aplenty in the Q as LeBron James plays his first game in Cleveland since telling the world in July that he was “taking his talents to South Beach.”

Many questions beg asking as hours dwindle before the tipoff of tonight's nationally televised contest.

What's going to happen when James, wearing his Miami uniform, walks out onto the floor of the sold-out arena in front of 20,562 paying customers?

Cavaliers Vice President of Communications Tad Carper said team management expects the vast majority of people in the crowd will loudly and enthusiastically root against the 25-year-old Akron native who was the face of Cleveland's NBA franchise for seven seasons.

“Our home court environment is energetic, passionate and supercharged. We hope that's the case Thursday night,” Carper said.

Follow Cavs writer Bob Finnan onTwitter @BobCavsInsider for extensive coverage of tonight's game.

“We want fans to come to this game and show their support for the Cavaliers,” Carper added. “At the same time, we want them to do that in a way that doesn't cross lines. Let's do this the right way.”

Where are the Cavs drawing those lines for fan behavior during this most eagerly anticipated game of the 2010-11 season?

“We understand that people want to express themselves, and that's fine. But you can do that without being profane, indecent or vulgar,” Carper said.

Signs and articles of clothing making reference to James will be carefully scrutinized. The same will be true for what fans do or say from their seats before, during and after the game.

“Hopefully, we'll put people in a position where they feel comfortable and are aware of what's acceptable and not acceptable,” Carper said.

“We think this is a tremendous opportunity not only for the organization and fans, but for the entire community to approach this from a positive perspective.”

Carper said the Cavaliers have been methodical in preparing for James' return to the Q.

“This is something we knew was going to happen. It's not a surprise. It's not optional. We knew we were going to play Miami,” Carper said.

“It would be a waste of time to wish it wasn't going to happen. We're looking forward to playing the game and the Cavaliers winning the game.”

Meetings that took place in advance of tonight's game were not extraordinary, according to Carper.

“Every event that happens in this building, we go through a planning process to address special concerns related to the event,” he said.

“We've certainly done that with Dec. 2. The process we've gone through has been comprehensive. We've worked with the NBA and local authorities. The Heat has been part of the process. They are aware of what's being done. We want it to be a safe environment for everyone to be in whether you're a fan, player or staff member. We're ready.”

Will there be a beefed-up security presence in the arena for tonight's game?

Carper said “a couple more” uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be on duty tonight than usually in the arena during Cavs games.

“We're not going to create a police state for the game. We don't think that's necessary,” Carper said. “What we want to do is address any special concerns and respond, if need be.”

“Fans coming into the game, looking around, I'm not sure they'll sense any difference in how things are operating. In terms of security around and inside the arena, we exceed the NBA's requirement. We always have.”

Carper said the team has processed “several hundred” requests for media credentials for tonight's game, which also marks the return of former Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in a Miami uniform.

TNT is televising the game. The cable network's presentation will include pre-game, halftime and post-game shows featuring outspoken commentator and former NBA player Charles Barkley.

Cavs players react

It wasn't until after Tuesday's home loss to Boston that some of James' former teammates began to talk about tonight's game.

Fifth-year guard Daniel “Boobie” Gibson is of two minds about the first post-”Decision” showdown between the Cavs and Heat.

“The media is making this out to be the biggest game ever,” Gibson said. “Our job as players is to be focused and treat it as one game, our next game, a game we need to win to continue our improvement.”

Stepping away from his job as a player, Gibson said he understands why Cavs fans are making such a big deal about this game.

“You can only imagine what their thoughts are,” Gibson said.

Veteran forward Jamario Moon is in his second season with the Cavs. In the home locker room at the Q, he moved into the corner stall that belonged to James for seven seasons.

“He'll do his job and we'll have people in this room amped up to play, too,” Moon said.

Gibson and Moon both said they still consider James to be their friend.

Fans have their say, too

Season-ticket holder Michael Carlisle is staying away from tonight's game. That's his way of expressing disdain for James not just because he left the Cavs, but for doing so in a heavily hyped ESPN special.

“I feel I should be paid to watch him play. I certainly won't pay to watch him play,” said Carlisle, a psychiatrist who lives in Lake County.

While he won't be in the arena, Carlisle said he will watch the game on TV and pay close attention to fans with the trained eye of someone who analyzes behavior for a living.

“Whatever they do, I hope the fans there think it through first,” Carlisle said. “I want the evening to be uneventful, and I hope the Cavs win.”

Carlisle was joined at Tuesday's game by friend Kevin Potoczak, of Lakewood. Potoczak has no use for James and wants the Cavs to win, too.

The same as Carlisle, he said he hopes the evening unfolds without fans creating an incident that gives Cleveland another black eye nationally.

“The national media wants something to happen,” Potoczak said. “If they look hard enough for something, they'll probably find it.”