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The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season on top of the Eastern Conference, but the pressure is still on them in the first round of the playoffs when they play the Detroit Pistons. Join The Roar for live scores of Game 1 from 5am (AEST).
The Cavaliers have struggled against the Pistons this year, losing three of their four matches. That includes the last match of the season, handing Detroit all the momentum moving forward.
In that match just a few days ago, Cleveland actually bucked their trend of finishing matches in the final quarter slowly. It was a big problem for them during the last month or so of the season, but in that match they actually outscored Detroit by 10 to force overtime.
While the Cavaliers only dropped the match by two points in overtime, it still is a worry for them that they didn’t perform under the pump.
It must be noted they had their starters rested, the Pistons have already beaten the Cavaliers twice previously and the series just has a worrying feel over it for the Cavs’ and their fans.
LeBron James of course will be the key and that just about goes without saying. He has averaged 25.3 points per game for the season, and also almost seven assists leading both of those categories. It is going to be up to the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to stand up and produce.
Irving in particular will be feeling the pressure with the Cavaliers attack at times being far too one-dimensional.
The Pistons haven’t been without their fair share of problems throughout the season. Of course, it is the first time in six years they have reached the playoffs but injuries have at times hampered their season. The Pistons haven’t had any real strong stretches, particularly since the All-Star breaks with just general inconsistency from night to night leading them to the eighth seed.
They got it right at the end to confirm qualification though, winning four of their final six matches and that has to count for something.
It will be interesting to see what role Meeks plays off the bench here. While Reggie Jackson and Tobias Harris are the key men, Meeks put up 20 in their last match of the season and adds an extra dynamic to the attack for Detroit.
Prediction
I’m going to tip an upset here. The Cavaliers haven’t looked in the greatest touch since the All-Star break, and while the playoffs should bring out the best in them, the Pistons have only lost one game against them. Should be close though.
Pistons by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this playoffs match from 5am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the action unfolds.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde