Starting today, the Cavs are off for the All-Star Break, and they should enjoy it. Because when they get back, they might find a different Coach John Lucas. ``I haven't really put pressure on this team yet; I've just loved them up and tried to restore confidence,'' Lucas said yesterday. ``I haven't been the drill sergeant yet.'' Lucas said yesterday that he was about to reach that point with the young Cavs, especially after the break. ``We need to change the trend of spiralling down (after the break),'' Lucas said. ``I can't ask them to play harder, but I can ask them to play smarter.''

DIOP SIGHTING? -- Lucas said yesterday that he plans to start giving rookie center DeSagana Diop some playing time after the break. Lucas said he hoped to give Diop around five minutes a night. Slowed by injuries and inexperience, Diop has played just 67 minutes in 11 games this season.

EAVES OUT -- Cavs assistant coach Jerry Eaves is not with the team while dealing with a family illness. Lucas hopes to have him back after the All-Star Break.