The Cleveland Cavaliers will be favourites against the Toronto Raptors when they play Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Final battle. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 10:30am (AEST).
The Cavaliers have cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs, sweeping each series. The Raptors, meanwhile, have battled their way through the first two rounds with each series going to seven games.
Cleveland set the three-point line on fire during their eight-game stint while the Raptors have struggled all over the floor in their 14 games.
You couldn’t have two more vastly different narratives if you tried. What does it all mean? Apart from a little extra rest for the Cavs, next to nothing.
Toronto regained some regular-season form during Game 7 against the Miami Heat as Kyle Lowry put together a game we all knew he was capable of. His backcourt running mate, DeMar DeRozan, was also able to chip in with a handy 28 point showing and along with the rest of the starters the Raptors showed why many had them pegged as potential Eastern Conference champions.
Cleveland, on the other hand, haven’t played since May 9, nine days since their last competitive game. However this shouldn’t affect their charge for a second straight NBA Finals run.
Raptors big man Jonas Valanciunas is still listed as day-to-day and likely won’t take part in Game 1. This leaves the door open for Bismack Biyombo to carry on his stellar form against the Cavs.
He shouldn’t expect to own the inside like he did against the small Miami squad with much tougher competition on the glass against Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love.
A team coming off of a nine-day rest would be expected to be rusty early on but this is the Cavaliers and it didn’t seem to affect them one bit during the break between Round 1 and Round 2. With the big three (LeBron, Kyrie and Love) all clicking and the role players taking turns in stepping up, they look like a well-drilled unit.
Prediction
The Raptors will need to come out of the gate firing with the backcourt needing to perform like they did in Game 7. The Cavs have far too many weapons and will take this comfortably at home against a Raptors squad that could be exposed should their stars not fire.
Cleveland by 11
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this match from 10:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in Roarers. What a performance from the Cavs. Game 2 of this series will be Thursday morning. Make sure you stay tuned as Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is tomorrow morning.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Not going to lie I thought the exact same, figured the Raps would come out hot and the Cavs would be off their game early. This side continues to blow my mind with their stellar play. Looks like it could be over quickly this one
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Report One of the most one-sided games in the Playoffs you're likely to see. The Cleveland Cavaliers carried on with their incredible post-season form and although the Raptors started the game off better it didn't take long for the Cavs to get into the swing of things and following a 22-2 run that stretched from the end of the first until midway through the second quarter this one was over. Toronto tried to come out early in the second half to make a run but Cleveland absorbed the run and then hit back with their own. Behind the stellar play of their big 3 (LeBron, Irving & Love) the Cavs looked immaculate throughout this contest. Believe it or not they combined for the following numbers: 65 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. The keys to victory for Toronto rested with their star studded backcourt, unfortunately only one man came to the party today and that was Demar DeRozan who finished with a tough 18 points from 17 shots. Kyle Lowry struggled to find his shot right from the get go and finished with a lowly 8 points on 4 of 14 shooting from the floor. Which included going 0/7 from beyond the arc. Having a quick look through the stats and a couple of glaring things stand out, having 13 less free throw opportunities screams to me that Toronto settled outside far too often and were afraid to attack the rim. Doesn't help when Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan don't take a single free throw all game, not sure that's ever happened before. Biggest issue for mine is the rebounding battle, yes the Raptors are missing their big man in Jonas Valanciunas but you cannot allow a team to dominate the glass like Cleveland did today. Winning the rebound battle +22 is a phenomenal effort from Cleveland. Focus now switches to Game 2 which will again be in Quicken Loans Arena on Thursday morning, can the Cavs continue this hot streak they're currently riding and can the Raptors turn things around? Here's the one positive for Toronto Raptors fans, it can't get any worse.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Out of all the games i expected the Raptors to win it was game 1 simply down to the Cav's being rusty. clearly that was not the case.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Yeah that was not even close, Cleveland just far too good. Cheers Scott
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Stats FG CLE: 41/74 (55%) TOR: 32/76 (42%) 3PT CLE: 7/20 (35%) TOR: 5/24 (20%) FT CLE: 26/33 (78%) TOR: 15/20 (75%) AST CLE: 22 TOR: 19 REB CLE: 45 (10) TOR: 23 (4) BLOCKS CLE: 4 TOR: 1 STEALS CLE: 9 TOR: 7 TOs CLE: 16 TOR: 14
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, this series is going to be one-sided. Thanks for the call James.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Cleveland Cavaliers 115 defeat Toronto Raptors 84 What a blowout in Game 1. The last quarter was a lackluster affair as both teams sat their big name players, Cavs record their largest win in Playoff History.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 0' CLE: 115 TOR: 84 Powell draws the foul after getting into the lane. Makes both from the line. The camera crew show fans outside of Toronto stadium, believe it or not about 40 people are still watching this game.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 1' CLE: 115 TOR: 82 Just like they drew it up. Raptors come out of the timeout and miss the jumper through Bruno C..(I'm not even going to try spell his last name). Cavs swing it to Jefferson in the corner who misses the three
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 1' CLE: 115 TOR: 82 Norman Powell with a nice drive and finishes the play, did not expect that! And then Jefferson drives and misses but Mozgov cleans it up, we've got some excitement happening!! Too much fun being had so Dwayne Casey calls a timeout
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 2' CLE: 113 TOR: 80 This game has turned real ugly thanks to the blowout. Mo Williams sinks another jumper. The guys on the floor have probably played a combined 100 minutes this season.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 3' CLE: 111 TOR: 78 Raptors miss again and then on the break Jefferson drives on Johnson and gets the foul. Makes both at the line.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 3' CLE: 109 TOR: 78 Mozgov spins in the post but overshoots the jumper, Cavs get lucky as the ball goes out off Toronto. Mozgov misses the hook but Jefferson tips it back in
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 4' CLE: 107 TOR: 78 Scola tried to go to work in the post but is blocked from behind by Mozgov. Mo Williams misses the free throw line jumper and on the break Powell gets into the paint and draws the foul. Heads to the line and makes both
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 5' CLE: 107 TOR: 76 Richard Jefferson shooting FTs and he makes both. Raptors bring it up but miss the jumper from Powell
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 6' CLE: 105 TOR: 76 Terrence Ross just summed up the Raptors game, blows by his defender and then tries to throw it down hard and misses the emphatic dunk. It's been that kind of day for Toronto. Cavs go the other way and can't get a good look, timeout.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 6' CLE: 105 TOR: 76 Cavs turn it over and Wright on the break is fouled by Frye, heads to the line and makes 1 of 2. Timofey Mozgov checks in to the game
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 6' CLE: 105 TOR: 75 Shumpert now adds to the lead with a mid range jumper. The Rookie tries again but misses the one. Frye gets on to fall on the other end. Cavs shooting incredible today
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 7' CLE: 100 TOR: 75 Raptors rookie Wright gets his first Playoff points after some fancy post footwork. Cavs respond through Richard Jefferson on the baseline cut. Brings up the 100