Eastern Conference Semi-finals Playoff Preview

(1)Toronto Raptors (59-23) Vs (4)Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32)

This match-up features the top seed Raptors taking on the 4th seed Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland won the season series 2 games to 1. The Raptors won the only game played in Toronto by 34 points. That win came before the mid-season trades by the Cavs. These teams met two more times in Cleveland where the Cavaliers pulled out close wins late in the season.

Toronto advanced to the 2nd round by defeating the Wizards in 6 games. The Raptors have played the Cavaliers the last two post seasons. Last year they were swept by the Cavaliers and the year prior they lost the series 4 games to 2. This could be the best opportunity they’ve had to beat Cleveland. They boast the best record in the Eastern Conference and earned home court advantage. They also have the more balanced attack in this match-up with four players averaging double figures in scoring.

Cleveland advanced to face the Raptors after defeating the Indiana Pacers 4 games to 3. Lebron James played absolutely fantastic in leading the Cavaliers to their first round win. He averaged 34.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while also leading the team in steals and blocks. They’re going to need him to continue putting up these types of numbers to have a shot in this series. His supporting cast will need to play much better as well. Kevin Love is the only other player on the team averaging double figures in scoring at 11.4 points per game. I don’t think they can win this series without getting another player or two scoring in double figures and having Kevin Love average closer to 20 points per game.

The Raptors having home court advantage could prove huge in this series. If the Cavaliers push this series the distance they will not have that final game on their home floor. They will have to win at least once in Toronto where the Raptors have only lost 7 games all year. I think the Cavaliers run ends here. I predict the Raptors will win this series in 6 games.

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Cover photo credits: By Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Author: @sevendst19 Editor: @liberty-minded

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