What he brings for us, I mean it’s just – you can’t describe it. Toronto was in action on the road Tuesday night in Orlando as they faced the Magic. “You have Eastern Conference Champions, and you have guys from the Eastern Conference who win the big dance, and then, you have it from the West as well”. It had a little bit of everything-from LeBron James breaking records (we’ll get to that) to the Raptors attempting to show that they’re not the same old Raptors. Toronto is leading the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division by five games over the Celtics entering that contest and have already clinched a playoff spot.
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The Raptors rank 14th in rebounds per game (43.8) while the Cavaliers rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (44.3).
Kemba Walker scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter for the Hornets, who trailed by as many 23 points in the second half but won in front of an announced crowd of 10,231 at Barclay Center while a heavy snowfall outside blanketed the New York City area. Assuming DeRozan is going to play through a thigh injury, getting Toronto and the free points has to be the play. Serge Ibaka is the third double-digit scorer and Jonas Valanciunas is grabbing 8.6 rebounds. Despite the loss, James expressed frustration at the lack of calls to send him to the free throw line.
The Cavs have 11 games remaining on the schedule.
Heat 119, Knicks 98 Miami’s high-flying offense soared over visiting NY as the Heat won for the ninth time in their past 10 home games, including six straight, and improved to 22-13 at home. Those guys, they had never been to a postseason game. After quarter number one, the Cavaliers led the Raptors 42-38.
So, is this the game where the Cavaliers season turns?
The Pacers shot only 36.6 percent (34 of 93), but kept the game close with 15 offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points. Kevin Love scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds in his second game back returning from a broken hand.
Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Consider this game not a sign the Cavaliers are going to beat the Raptors, but certainly a sign they are not a team to be taken lightly. Depending on how they respond and match up defensively, they should be anxious.
Offense meets defense when the Cleveland Cavaliers (41-29) welcome the Toronto Raptors (53-18) to Quicken Loans Arena. Give the point and take Toronto here. “But I think we go into the game with a different mindset, more of a hunted mindset than we did past year”. He has missed four games. (Hamstring), Rodney Hood (Back), Tristan Thompson (Ankle), Kyle Korver (Personal) and Cedi Osman (Hip Flexor) were not available to play against the Raptors. Along with the temporary exit of Tyronn Lue, the Cavs have yet to catch a break this season. Cleveland’s defense is a joke and that could be a major issue as the playoffs loom.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers look for a statement victory here after splitting their last 10 games. But last night’s win may have been the best one they’ve had all season. The Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, who made multiple Finals runs as a player with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, continually said it would be a hard year for his team.
