Toronto Raptors
Record: 15-4, first in the Eastern Conference
Offense: 112.4 offensive rating (2nd)
Defense: 103.5 defensive rating (15th)
Net rating: 8.9 (3rd)
| Probable Starters | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Lowry | 20.6 | 4.9 | 6.8 |
| Greivis Vasquez | 9.8 | 2.4 | 3.2 |
| Terrance Ross | 11.7 | 2.8 | 0.9 |
| Amir Johnson | 9.4 | 5.1 | 1.6 |
| Jonas Valanciunas | 11.8 | 8.4 | 0.6 |
The Last Result(s)
The Match-up to Watch
Kyrie Irving vs. Kyle Lowry
Irving has played incredible over the last four games, including a 37-point performance against the Knicks, while Lowry has stepped up his game since Demar DeRozan went down with an injury. Lowry was key in the Raptors in their first match-up, and whoever gets the upper hand between these two point guards, their team will come out on top as well.
The Number
50.0
That's the field goal percentage that LeBron needs to shoot. In games where he does do better than that, the Cavaliers are 6-1. When he doesn't, they're 4-6. If Cleveland wants to win, it all depends on how well LeBron plays.
The Playlist
Why Cleveland will win:
It's pretty simple: if LeBron and Kyrie both bring their A-games, the Cavaliers are virtually unbeatable. Throw in the fact that Kevin Love has looked better (scratch the Knicks game) since the first Raptors game, might as well pack up and go home. The real key for the Cavaliers will be their bench, which squandered a 18-point lead in the last meeting. If they get some production out of Dion Waiters, who has struggled mightily this season, that will be enough for the Cavaliers to take their sixth straight win.
Why Toronto will win:
Remember Lou Williams? If not, you'll be reminded of him again this game. Win or lose, the Raptors bench will in fact out-score the Cavaliers, and will be led by the guy scored a career-high in last meeting against the Cavaliers. The bench was what won the first game, and will again be the main reason why the Raptors will win tonight.
The Prediction
Cleveland 107, Toronto 101
Although DeRozan's absence will be big, I don't think he'll be the reason the Raptors lose tonight. The Cavaliers have won five straight games, and have done so in different ways. A night after Kyrie stole the spotlight (even though it was always on him after it was announced he would have his own signature shoe with Nike), it will the LeBron Show north of the border, where I expect him to dominate and lead the Cavaliers to their sixth straight victory.
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