The Cavaliers catch a break when they attempt to snap a 10-game losing streak to the Toronto Raptors tonight at Gund Arena.

They won't have to deal with nemesis Vince Carter, who did not play in Sunday's All-Star Game at Philadelphia and is out with a strained right quadriceps.

In recent seasons, Carter has been particularly tough on the Cavaliers. In the last nine games between the two teams, Carter averaged 32.1 points - shooting 56 percent (109-193) from the field.

Other key players out for the Raptors are center Hakeem Olajuwon (thigh), forward Morris Peterson (finger) and forward Jerome Williams (ankle).

"I don't look at this as us catching a break," said Cavaliers coach John Lucas. "We never catch a break. The Raptors have plenty of other good players."


Not bad:

Rookie center DeSagana Diop looked good in yesterday's two-hour practice at Gund Arena.

Diop, a 7-0, 300-pounder, moved well, blocked a couple of shots, and hit a couple of 15-footers. Failing to convert an easy layup that would have given his team a victory at the end of a scrimmage did nothing to mar the performance.

"I thought DeSagana looked very good," Lucas said. "There were times when he showed us the kind of things we expect from him."

Not bad II:

Zydrunas Ilgauskas' numbers are not eye-popping - 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.58 blocked shots in 20.7 minutes of 31 games - but they are fine with Cavaliers General Manager Jim Paxson.

"Everything considered," said Paxson, referring to Ilgauskas' rebuilt left foot, "I think it is remarkable that he has done as well as he has."

Finally:

Who says pro basketball won't fly in Canada? The Raptors have sold out 23 of 24 games, averaging 19,772. . . . Cavs backup point guard Bimbo Coles rested his ailing left knee yesterday, but is listed as probable for tonight's game.