Game 78 | Cavs vs Raptors | Apr 6th 2010 | 7:00pm EST

[Rise Against]

«60-17 38-38»

I won't be doing starters until the playoffs begin since I have no idea who will sit out.

While Cleveland (60-17) has wrapped up at least a share of the league's best record, Toronto (38-38) is one game ahead of Chicago for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with six to play.

For a potential 1-versus-8 first-round matchup, these teams have been relatively evenly matched this season. The teams split their first two meetings, each winning at home, before the Cavaliers beat the Chris Bosh-less Raptors 126-118 in overtime north of the border Feb. 26.

LeBron James had 36 points in that win, Cleveland's 11th in the last 12 meetings with James in the lineup. The reigning MVP has averaged 30.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in that stretch, and the Cavaliers have beaten Toronto 10 straight times at home.

Bosh has averaged 21.0 points and 13.0 rebounds in his two games against Cleveland, while the Cavaliers have struggled to contain Andrea Bargnani. He's averaged 23.7 points and shot 57.4 percent in the season series.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=300406005



Potential first round matchup? I doubt some of our starters will play in this one though.

[tundraknight]

Im glad the Cavs finally locked up HCA so now the starters can get rest and we'll get to see playing time from players that are normally buried on the bench.

[LBJ]

Will LeBron be sitting this one out for sure?

[Joel Embust]

I'd sit him out along with Mo Williams and let the Raps win this. I think the Bulls are a tougher matchup for the Cavs in round one now that they have Deng and Noah back.

[Relentless88]

Please sit Lebron.

[prekazi]

Will LeBron be sitting this one out for sure?

Hopefully.

[Bomb_First]

Sit Lebron just to turn the heat up on the Bulls.

[LoveThemCavs]

It looks like the starters will play tonight, though it is unsure on how many minutes. Also AV is back tonight.

[kobebryant]

Sit Lebron just to turn the heat up on the Bulls.

yes that would be good we should kill the raps and hopefully win this game

[Rise Against]

Delonte West out with lower back spasms, Andy Varejao will play tonight vs. Toronto

[prekazi]

Bad decision IMO. Bron should be sitting.

[LoveThemCavs]

What happened to Bosh? I left the room for a few plays and the announcers said he went to the lockeroom to be checked out?

[TheOUTLAW]

Caught and errant elbow from Jamison

Cavs came out playing lethargic but hopefully that was ended by the LeBron block

[TheOUTLAW]

LeBron hit 2 free throws. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come.

[TheOUTLAW]

Mo is killing Calderon on offense but everytime he does, Calderon makes a basket the other way

[TheOUTLAW]

We are getting tons of open 3's so far but we give them back immediately

[TheOUTLAW]

Jawad and Z in early and Jawad responds with a 3

[TheOUTLAW]

I guess Toronto just refuses to guard Parker in the corner. I'm not happy with our defensive effort or our rebounding so far. Can't get sucked into playing Toronto ball.

[TheOUTLAW]

We have a Varejao sigting and he responds with 2

[LoveThemCavs]

Mo and Parker really played well in that first quarter. It's been a long time since Parker has done anything but good to see it's possible. Nice seeing AV back out there too.