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

[witnessraps]

Patterson and Carroll are going to be a big key for the Raptors this series. DeMarre will be on LeBron most of the time, and if he can hit open shots like he did in Miami against game 7 he will be one of our MVPs. Patrick Patterson will most likely see a bit of time on LeBron too and his rebounding/defense/shooting could be an X-factor for us. I hope to see Terrence continue his very aggressive play. Unfortunately he is a lock for 1/2 dumb plays a game and we just can't afford that this series.

[Shimso]

TBH, I'll be satisfied with the series going 5 games. In the regular season we did well against the Cavs but playoff Lebron is no joke (and it's why I thought all the fuss that was going on during the RS was meaningless) and I'm not sure which version of playoff Raptors we'll see against the Cavs.
If we push it to 6 games, hang a banner

[Southward1]

My initial reaction is Cavs in 5, with the cavs killing the raptors in game 1 because they are not prepared.
I need to see how Biyombo plays in the series, because he isn't playing against the midgets that the Heat were throwing at him, the cavs have legit bigs. The length of the series is also dependent on if Valanciunas returns, if he does it takes touches away from Demar offensively which is always a positive thing for the efficiency of the team.

[Birdie]

cavs fans wouldn't you rather not go undefeated to the finals? be tough going into the finals with that unbeaten streak still in tat.

Psychologically, we talk ourselves into believing that but I think in the end, it's all hocus pocus. Winning is winning. The media will be the ones to create those false sense of pressure because we could be going into Finals 12-0. All I care about is how we're playing and what adjustments are being made as the series progresses.

I think we do this in 5. W W L W W

In the end, I'm hoping for competitive series' on both sides but in your case NBAfan, I'm rooting for OKC and think they got a shot to pull it off. Def. a far better chance than those pretenders HOU last year in the WCF. Plus, we matchup so well with OKC though I'm pretty confident this playoff version matches up well with your Dubs as opposed to earlier in the season.

We'll see. Hopefully we don't come out like poop tomorrow because of the long layoff but I have a feeling, the Cavs players are finally believing in one another.

[Green Backpack]

If Cleveland keeps hitting their 3s like they have, this is a sweep. The Raptors leave guys open for 3s all the time.

[NBAfan3024]

cavs fans wouldn't you rather not go undefeated to the finals? be tough going into the finals with that unbeaten streak still in tat.

Psychologically, we talk ourselves into believing that but I think in the end, it's all hocus pocus. Winning is winning. The media will be the ones to create those false sense of pressure because we could be going into Finals 12-0. All I care about is how we're playing and what adjustments are being made as the series progresses.

I think we do this in 5. W W L W W

In the end, I'm hoping for competitive series' on both sides but in your case NBAfan, I'm rooting for OKC and think they got a shot to pull it off. Def. a far better chance than those pretenders HOU last year in the WCF. Plus, we matchup so well with OKC though I'm pretty confident this playoff version matches up well with your Dubs as opposed to earlier in the season.

We'll see. Hopefully we don't come out like poop tomorrow because of the long layoff but I have a feeling, the Cavs players are finally believing in one another.

Ha don't blame you. I can't see any way Cavs lose to OKC in a series given Lebron's history with Durant. Do hope it's a rematch though as I think it would be fitting for both sides. Will see.

Best team will win it all thats for sure.

[Birdie]

Patterson and Carroll are going to be a big key for the Raptors this series. DeMarre will be on LeBron most of the time, and if he can hit open shots like he did in Miami against game 7 he will be one of our MVPs. Patrick Patterson will most likely see a bit of time on LeBron too and his rebounding/defense/shooting could be an X-factor for us. I hope to see Terrence continue his very aggressive play. Unfortunately he is a lock for 1/2 dumb plays a game and we just can't afford that this series.

I think TRoss could be your biggest X factor. He was a huge boost off the bench with some timely/dagger 3's when Casey put him in at times. The 2nd unit is gonna need some kind of spark cuz all you got is midrange pull-up CoryJo or shoot a 3 TRoss as your only viable offensive options when that 2nd unit gets blow. Or it's a DD 20ft pull up. Not very creative offensive execution when you'll be going up against a rested LBJ after he's subbed in with the 2nd unit.

I just think, either, the Raps are gonna come in completely out of gas after playing 18 games in 30+ days, the last 13 every other day for the past 2+ weeks or they'll put up a fight only to eventually crumble.

I mean, if laying brick houses Lowry/DD show up, then the games will be over by the 2nd quarter. But if by some chance, Game 7 Lowry/DD showup, could make things interesting but somewhat confident in what I've seen thus far. I just think we have some better matchups than what might be perceived.

[DonMega]

I think the Heat would've been an easier team for the Cavs to beat.

I'm really not worried about Carroll as I think his defense on LeBron is overhyped. Watching LeBron go against Butler or Kawhi, I can see how he gets really frustrated. It's not and never has been that way with Carroll.

This series is difficult to predict. I feel it could easily be a sweep, or it could be hard, grueling series. Toronto is gonna have to play smart defense, though.

The thing that's worrying me is the amount of games both teams played. For most raptors players this is a first time experience in the playoffs so they are not used to playing this long. Considering Cleveland only had to play 8 games so far and Toronto 14 with massive minutes for lowry this is definitely hard to predict. I just hope we give Cleveland a run for their money. Either way this raptors made Canada proud so the pressure is off.

[Birdie]

cavs fans wouldn't you rather not go undefeated to the finals? be tough going into the finals with that unbeaten streak still in tat.

Psychologically, we talk ourselves into believing that but I think in the end, it's all hocus pocus. Winning is winning. The media will be the ones to create those false sense of pressure because we could be going into Finals 12-0. All I care about is how we're playing and what adjustments are being made as the series progresses.

I think we do this in 5. W W L W W

In the end, I'm hoping for competitive series' on both sides but in your case NBAfan, I'm rooting for OKC and think they got a shot to pull it off. Def. a far better chance than those pretenders HOU last year in the WCF. Plus, we matchup so well with OKC though I'm pretty confident this playoff version matches up well with your Dubs as opposed to earlier in the season.

We'll see. Hopefully we don't come out like poop tomorrow because of the long layoff but I have a feeling, the Cavs players are finally believing in one another.

Ha don't blame you. I can't see any way Cavs lose to OKC in a series given Lebron's history with Durant. Do hope it's a rematch though as I think it would be fitting for both sides. Will see.

Best team will win it all thats for sure.

Agreed. A re-match would only be fitting because of the numerous subplots/narratives that could come from it. Many juicy storylines. Now watch, it's gonna be a OKC/TOR finals where no one is gonna watch nor care about. lmao. Please god no. haha.

[Birdie]

I think the Heat would've been an easier team for the Cavs to beat.

I'm really not worried about Carroll as I think his defense on LeBron is overhyped. Watching LeBron go against Butler or Kawhi, I can see how he gets really frustrated. It's not and never has been that way with Carroll.

This series is difficult to predict. I feel it could easily be a sweep, or it could be hard, grueling series. Toronto is gonna have to play smart defense, though.

The thing that's worrying me is the amount of games both teams played. For most raptors players this is a first time experience in the playoffs so they are not used to playing this long. Considering Cleveland only had to play 8 games so far and Toronto 14 with massive minutes for lowry this is definitely hard to predict. I just hope we give Cleveland a run for their money. Either way this raptors made Canada proud so the pressure is off.

It's a shame Val is/won't be full strength. It's a major piece to be without but I guess, does Bismack break out if he doesn't get that burn. But IMO, any TOR games I've caught this season, I've always liked Bismack's energy off the bench. He was a great signing at that price and TOR/Dwayne Casey got his career back on track. Ed Davis got 7mil+ from POR. Based on his play these playoffs, BB prob could get 10mil on the open market this summer. Raps gonna have some tough financial decisions to make.

[NBAfan3024]

Psychologically, we talk ourselves into believing that but I think in the end, it's all hocus pocus. Winning is winning. The media will be the ones to create those false sense of pressure because we could be going into Finals 12-0. All I care about is how we're playing and what adjustments are being made as the series progresses.

I think we do this in 5. W W L W W

In the end, I'm hoping for competitive series' on both sides but in your case NBAfan, I'm rooting for OKC and think they got a shot to pull it off. Def. a far better chance than those pretenders HOU last year in the WCF. Plus, we matchup so well with OKC though I'm pretty confident this playoff version matches up well with your Dubs as opposed to earlier in the season.

We'll see. Hopefully we don't come out like poop tomorrow because of the long layoff but I have a feeling, the Cavs players are finally believing in one another.

Ha don't blame you. I can't see any way Cavs lose to OKC in a series given Lebron's history with Durant. Do hope it's a rematch though as I think it would be fitting for both sides. Will see.

Best team will win it all thats for sure.

Agreed. A re-match would only be fitting because of the numerous subplots/narratives that could come from it. Many juicy storylines. Now watch, it's gonna be a OKC/TOR finals where no one is gonna watch nor care about. lmao. Please god no. haha.

No chance that happens

Would be like us winning the premier league.... Oh wait!! I ha

[Duffman100]

Lol @ CRAPTORS fans saying they'll actually win a game against the cavs! Typical from a board full of Canadians.

Are you still going? Wow, I figured you'd have something better to do.

As I type this my cock is balls deep inside your mother's throat.

How is this post still up? Mods?

[everdiso]

Regular Season Per 36 Matchups

* = Injured

Jonas* (23): 17.8pts (56.5%/0.0%/76.1%), 12.6reb, 1.0ast, 0.6stl, 1.8blk, 2.0to, 3.7pf
Thompson (24): 10.2pts (58.8%/0.0%/61.6%), 11.7reb, 1.0ast, 0.6stl, 0.8blk, 1.0to, 3.2pf

PPat (26): 9.7pts (41.4%/36.2%/85.3%), 6.1reb, 1.7ast, 0.9stl, 0.6blk, 1.2to, 2.3pf
Love (27): 18.3pts (41.9%/36.0%/82.2%), 11.3reb, 2.8ast, 0.9stl, 0.6blk, 2.1to, 2.4pf

Carroll (29): 13.1pts (38.9%/39.0%/60.0%), 5.6reb, 1.2ast, 2.0stl, 0.3blk, 1.3to, 2.9pf
Lebron (31): 25.5pts (52.0%/30.9%/73.1%), 7.5reb, 6.8ast, 1.4stl, 0.7blk, 3.3to, 1.9pf

Demar (26): 23.5pts (44.6%/33.8%/85.0%), 4.5reb, 4.0ast, 1.0stl, 0.3blk, 2.2to, 2.1pf
Smith (30): 14.6pts (41.5%/40.0%/63.4%), 3.3reb, 2.0ast, 1.2stl, 0.3blk, 0.9to, 3.1pf

Lowry (29): 20.6pts (42.7%/38.8%/81.1%), 4.6reb, 6.2ast, 2.0sstl, 0.4blk, 2.8to, 2.7pf
Irving (23): 22.5pts (44.8%/32.2%/88.5%), 3.4reb, 5.4ast, 1.2stl, 0.4blk, 2.7to,2.3pf


Biyombo (23): 9.0pts (54.2%/0.0%/62.8%), 13.0reb, 0.6ast, 0.4stl, 2.6blk, 1.4to, 4.5pf
Mozgov (29): 12.9pts (56.5%/14.3%/71.6%), 9.1reb, 0.9ast, 0.6stl, 1.5blk, 1.9to, 4.3pf

Scola (35): 14.6pts (45.0%/40.4%/72.6%), 7.9reb, 1.5ast, 1.0stl, 0.6blk, 1.5to, 3.9pf
Frye (32): 15.8pts (44.1%/37.7%/78.6%), 7.5reb, 2.1ast, 0.6stl, 0.6blk, 1.0to, 4.5pf

Powell (22): 13.6pts (42.4%/40.4%/81.1%), 5.5reb, 2.3ast, 1.4stl, 0.5blk, 1.6to, 2.9pf
Jefferson (35): 11.1pts (45.8%/38.2%/66.7%), 3.5reb, 1.6ast, 0.9stl, 0.4blk, 1.2to, 3.5pf

Ross (24): 14.8pts (43.1%/38.6%/79.0%), 3.8reb, 1.2ast, 1.1stl, 0.5blk, 0.9to, 2.5pf
Shump (25): 8.5pts (37.4%/29.5%/78.4%), 5.6reb, 2.5ast, 1.5stl, 0.5blk, 1.6to, 3.3pf

Joseph (24): 11.9pts (43.9%/27.3%/76.4%), 3.7reb, 4.4ast, 1.1stl, 0.4blk, 1.8to, 2.3pf
Delladova (25): 11.0pts (40.5%/41.0%/86.4%), 3.1reb, 6.5ast, 0.8stl, 0.2blk, 2.2to, 3.4pf

[Birdie]

Ha don't blame you. I can't see any way Cavs lose to OKC in a series given Lebron's history with Durant. Do hope it's a rematch though as I think it would be fitting for both sides. Will see.

Best team will win it all thats for sure.

Agreed. A re-match would only be fitting because of the numerous subplots/narratives that could come from it. Many juicy storylines. Now watch, it's gonna be a OKC/TOR finals where no one is gonna watch nor care about. lmao. Please god no. haha.

No chance that happens

Would be like us winning the premier league.... Oh wait!! I ha

Cheeky.

[Nebula1]

Cavs in 4

[DonMega]

I think the Heat would've been an easier team for the Cavs to beat.

I'm really not worried about Carroll as I think his defense on LeBron is overhyped. Watching LeBron go against Butler or Kawhi, I can see how he gets really frustrated. It's not and never has been that way with Carroll.

This series is difficult to predict. I feel it could easily be a sweep, or it could be hard, grueling series. Toronto is gonna have to play smart defense, though.

The thing that's worrying me is the amount of games both teams played. For most raptors players this is a first time experience in the playoffs so they are not used to playing this long. Considering Cleveland only had to play 8 games so far and Toronto 14 with massive minutes for lowry this is definitely hard to predict. I just hope we give Cleveland a run for their money. Either way this raptors made Canada proud so the pressure is off.

It's a shame Val is/won't be full strength. It's a major piece to be without but I guess, does Bismack break out if he doesn't get that burn. But IMO, any TOR games I've caught this season, I've always liked Bismack's energy off the bench. He was a great signing at that price and TOR/Dwayne Casey got his career back on track. Ed Davis got 7mil+ from POR. Based on his play these playoffs, BB prob could get 10mil on the open market this summer. Raps gonna have some tough financial decisions to make.

I agree Big Bizness has been stellar all season when starting. When JV went down with a broken hand earlier in the regular season, Bizmack slid into the starting lineup and dominated in almost every game. One of his best performances was when he rebounded 25 times vs the pacers. He will get his pay day this off season and he deserves nothing less.

[NBAfan3024]

Agreed. A re-match would only be fitting because of the numerous subplots/narratives that could come from it. Many juicy storylines. Now watch, it's gonna be a OKC/TOR finals where no one is gonna watch nor care about. lmao. Please god no. haha.

No chance that happens

Would be like us winning the premier league.... Oh wait!! I ha

Cheeky.

Can't see two miracles in one year

[red_power]

So far Cavaliers is the worst defensive team Raptors had been playing this postseason against. Their aren't too bad matchup for Raptors, at least tactically.
So I won't be surprised if teams will show a lot of really close games.. Cleveland won't have a clear road to the finals here imo.

[Crazomali]

Psychologically, we talk ourselves into believing that but I think in the end, it's all hocus pocus. Winning is winning. The media will be the ones to create those false sense of pressure because we could be going into Finals 12-0. All I care about is how we're playing and what adjustments are being made as the series progresses.

I think we do this in 5. W W L W W

In the end, I'm hoping for competitive series' on both sides but in your case NBAfan, I'm rooting for OKC and think they got a shot to pull it off. Def. a far better chance than those pretenders HOU last year in the WCF. Plus, we matchup so well with OKC though I'm pretty confident this playoff version matches up well with your Dubs as opposed to earlier in the season.

We'll see. Hopefully we don't come out like poop tomorrow because of the long layoff but I have a feeling, the Cavs players are finally believing in one another.

Ha don't blame you. I can't see any way Cavs lose to OKC in a series given Lebron's history with Durant. Do hope it's a rematch though as I think it would be fitting for both sides. Will see.

Best team will win it all thats for sure.

Agreed. A re-match would only be fitting because of the numerous subplots/narratives that could come from it. Many juicy storylines. Now watch, it's gonna be a OKC/TOR finals where no one is gonna watch nor care about. lmao. Please god no. haha.

a man can dream for that scenario ( OKC-RAPS) Plus beating LeBron would officially make it a magical run to everyone.

[rarefind]

dp