ECF: | (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (2) Toronto Raptors | CLE 2-1

[WestGOAT]

Cavs take this in 4 or 5, no doubt. Toronto is a good defensive team, but they simply do not have to talent to challenge this Cavs team in a 7 game series. The only thing they can hope for is a Lebron injury.

[ratul]

I think raps have a chance. We play the cavs well. We have demarre, he can defend. Love and kyrie the issue but we can beat them. Problem is rest and jv.

[The Miami Heat]

Nope

[AIfan3]

I'm waiting for the inevitable JR smith implosion. Will it happen this series?

[anatomicbomb]

I think players like Love and Irving, who are not as familiar with the mentality of long playoff runs, and seem to be affected by usage, may struggle adjusting to the energy and focus of contested possessions for the early games of the series. The Raptors played consistently well against the Cavaliers during the season, and the Cavaliers are shooting better from 3 than 2 during the playoffs - I don't expect either trend to continue smoothly.

I am inclined to believe that James' experience and focus and ability can carry the players on his team who aren't ready Tuesday, but if it's 3 games in and the Cavaliers don't have cohesion they are in trouble. That said, if the Raptors' players can't defend their assignments straight up, their defense can buckle enough to allow the Cavaliers' players to find the shots they like, and then it will be hard to slow them down.

[The Miami Heat]

Nope

[DBA]

Nope

[Steelo Green]

No chance but I could see us stealing a game or two.

[improvisor]

Cavs are breaking 3-point records, and the Raps struggle to defend the 3 - 2nd worst in reg. season. Hope it's fun, but could be another sweep for the Cavs.

I doubt it, I think raps can atleast take 1 game.

[NinjaBro]

Raps have played 14 games. Cavs have played 8.

And no rest at all for Toronto now. What the heck is Lowry doing playing 41 minutes? He should have come out much earlier. Same with Biyombo.

It's game 7, they needed the win. The Raps fall off a cliff with Lowry on the bench. It's pretty crazy what a great season Lowry is having, most people who don't watch the raps wouldn't know that.

[Duffman100]

Gonna be tough. I hope we can steal a game or two.

Bright side is I think the Raptors will be playing loose because they have no expectations on them now. ECF was the goal and now it's all gravy.

ECF and a top 10 pick. Good season for the Raptors.

[AIfan3]

Nope

[improvisor]

Lebron will once again beat another mediocre team to another inevitable finals loss...

So predictable smh....

Except they are not mediocre.

[WestGOAT]

I think raps have a chance. We play the cavs well. We have demarre, he can defend. Love and kyrie the issue but we can beat them. Problem is rest and jv.

No, your problem is no-one will be able to shutdown LBJ . He will either score at willl at the rim or pass out for the open 3. No way the Raptors keep up with DD throwing up bricks with his high usage rate.

[NinjaBro]

This series is a bonus. I'm thrilled with whatever outcome we get, sweep or not.

[The Miami Heat]

Nope

[DonMega]

[6ixSideSniper]

Nope

[dreamshake]

It won't be a sweep.

Cleveland has been off for 9 days.. that's a long time. They'll be rusty.

Historically LeBron plays very well coming off of rest. Would have to look it up but he's extremely dominant in game 1's where he has homecourt.

I know Lebron is going to show up either way, but will the rest of the team.

I hope it's a good series and not a sweep.

Yeah I hear you. Looked it up though - LeBron is 22-3 in game 1's at home. Gonna be hard to steal that one I think. If anything the conditioning could be an issue. They looked a little gassed in the 2nd half of game 1 vs. Atlanta.

I also think Dwayne Casey's initial game plans have been pretty bad. He's decent at making adjustments once he sees what isn't working but it seems to take him some time to figure things out.

[The Miami Heat]

Nope