Is Anyone Seriously Scared of Cavs? Edit Craptors left me in shambles and proven wrong

[VanWest82]

The underrated move in all this is the cavs losing channing frye. Without him, and with love getting back on the court right for the start of the playoffs, means cavs will have nearly no front court shooting. Thats always been an issue for this team. This does, imo, make JV an even bigger threat to them, since he wont be as compelled to come out to the perimeter to try and guard one of love or frye.

Raptors likely bode better with how we played when we had Biyombo, where one C is always deep in the post manning the paint while the rest switch and guard the perimeter.

They've definitely gotten more shooting and D in the backcourt, but there are only so many minutes. And i think a guy like Powell can be better utilized defensively now when we face them.

Good thing is that we have two more games against them near the end of this season, so Raps will have a good look at them after they've had a few games to settle in and acclimate. Shoukd allow for better team planning against them for the playoffs.

They started Love at centre all year. I don't think they roll out the lineup that you think. IMO they will play;

Love/LBJ/Hood/JR/Hill to start most of the time as long as they get Love back in time. This lineup doesn't makes him a threat as much as it makes him a problem, because yeah he has to guard either Love or James on the perimeter.

We could really punish that tandem in the paint offensively, except we're not really big on exploiting post matchups...and if Ibaka actually had an inclination to work in the post.

Instead, we'd see Love guarding Jonas and Jonas getting a touch here and there. And Lebron guarding Ibaka at the 3 point line.

We would be doing the Cavs a huge favor trying to attack them by posting JV. More likely, we would involve Love in PnR and have JV kill them that way. The problem is on the other end Love would be getting wide open three after wide open three because JV won't guard the perimeter. Maybe it works if their defense is ****. Worth a shot I guess as we haven't really seen it before, but I'm dubious we'd win that match up. JV is just so much more effective playing against fives that can't shoot.

[sule]

They started Love at centre all year. I don't think they roll out the lineup that you think. IMO they will play;

Love/LBJ/Hood/JR/Hill to start most of the time as long as they get Love back in time. This lineup doesn't makes him a threat as much as it makes him a problem, because yeah he has to guard either Love or James on the perimeter.

We could really punish that tandem in the paint offensively, except we're not really big on exploiting post matchups...and if Ibaka actually had an inclination to work in the post.

Instead, we'd see Love guarding Jonas and Jonas getting a touch here and there. And Lebron guarding Ibaka at the 3 point line.

If that was the problem, we would see JV at the 5 and Ibaka on the bench. But that won't be the problem and Ibaka would be at the 5.

I think we could see a bit more of what we did in Boston the other way, with closing out the sides and forcing their guys into the middle to drive, while our C (JV/Poeltl) would be under the basket for the hand up or the block, and our wings along the sides intercepting pass outs.

Love will be just coming back by the time playoffs start and Frye is gone, so less need for our C's to come out to the perimeter to guard Love, when we can send Ibaka there.

But like I said, we'll have a good look a bit later in the season, after their team gets acclimated, which should allow Casey & Co. to plan accordingly for the playoffs.

[Joker]

They started Love at centre all year. I don't think they roll out the lineup that you think. IMO they will play;

Love/LBJ/Hood/JR/Hill to start most of the time as long as they get Love back in time. This lineup doesn't makes him a threat as much as it makes him a problem, because yeah he has to guard either Love or James on the perimeter.

We could really punish that tandem in the paint offensively, except we're not really big on exploiting post matchups...and if Ibaka actually had an inclination to work in the post.

Instead, we'd see Love guarding Jonas and Jonas getting a touch here and there. And Lebron guarding Ibaka at the 3 point line.

If that was the problem, we would see JV at the 5 and Ibaka on the bench. But that won't be the problem and Ibaka would be at the 5.

Did love break his shooting wrist or his off-hand wrist? haha.

[will]

LeCoach gonna be inspired with his trades. Look out.

[Legal Non-Conforming]

Cavs are going back straight to the finals again. You're literally playing yourself if you think not

It's like watching a dictatorship fall. The dictator is all-powerful and everyone fears him until......one day he isn't and they don't. Smart people prepare for that day.

[Joker]

I'm willing to give it a week of them playing together before having any firm playoff proclamations.

[Pooh_Jeter]

As long as LeBron is re-engaged we are toast.

They got shooters, some depth and their defense should be much improved.

They may not have someone to match-up with JV in the paint, but they are hoping he plays big minutes because whether it's Love at the 5 or just involving him in PNR action he will get exposed defensively. If Ibaka, Siakam, or Jak plays instead it opens them up to trap DeRozan and Lowry at will.

[firefox390]

LeBron won't be checked out once we're in April. I guarantee you. He's not that type of player.
Scared or not, we cannot underestimate them...which means intensifying our mental preparation. Which means high IQ, quality plays by Demar late in the game. And Lowry staying focused and aggressive. Until I see that happening or if LeBron gets injured to the point that he cannot play, we won't win the East.

[TOR_97]

No I still think we’re better

[navyblue]

cavs just signed

Read on Twitter

[RaptorsLife]

cavs just signed

Read on Twitter

lol

[Childs]

cavs just signed

Read on Twitter

lol

[DG88]

Even with the trades they didn't do anything of significance to upgrade their defense. Their offense will still be good but it's going to take time for that team to gel if they do.

[Darkseid]

Ok now I'm a little scared.

They traded dead roster spots for 4 guy shot who can provide meaningful minutes.

With no IT anymore, that clears the way for a fresh start.

But I'm confident we can beat them.

[The Duke]

We should be

[UneducatedFan86]

Will have to see if they pick up anyone else after some people get released, but they are definitely better than they were yesterday. IT just wasn't a good fit for them; he needed the ball way too much. This gives the ball back into Lebron's hands - without the worry that IT isn't getting enough touches to be effective - and they get better defensively.

[Vee-Rex]

We could really punish that tandem in the paint offensively, except we're not really big on exploiting post matchups...and if Ibaka actually had an inclination to work in the post.

Instead, we'd see Love guarding Jonas and Jonas getting a touch here and there. And Lebron guarding Ibaka at the 3 point line.

If that was the problem, we would see JV at the 5 and Ibaka on the bench. But that won't be the problem and Ibaka would be at the 5.

Did love break his shooting wrist or his off-hand wrist? haha.

Love broke his left-hand.

I'm grateful he didn't break his right hand or hurt his legs or anything. Shouldn't take him too long to get back to form when he returns since it's his off-hand.

[RaptorsLife]

I made this thread under the assumption derozan and Lowry are not gonna choke in playoffs. Giving them a benefit doubt

If they choke again this is first round exit team. East too good this year to play around

[BramptonYute]

I made this thread under the assumption derozan and Lowry are not gonna choke in playoffs. Giving them a benefit doubt

If they choke again this is first round exit team. East too good this year to play around

why would u give them the benefit of the doubt?

[RaptorsLife]

I made this thread under the assumption derozan and Lowry are not gonna choke in playoffs. Giving them a benefit doubt

If they choke again this is first round exit team. East too good this year to play around

why would u give them the benefit of the doubt?

We went from 30th assists to 12th. Much better passing team with less isos