This technically isn’t a must-win game, but it comes about as close to being one as possible for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cleveland was in firm control of their opening-round series through the first two games. They were getting whatever they wanted offensively with their star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden leading the charge. This added up to a 2-0 lead, with neither of the wins being particularly close.
The second two games were the exact opposite.
The Toronto Raptors have dictated
the terms of engagement since. They’ve made it incredibly difficult for Mitchell and Harden — and in turn — have shut down Cleveland’s entire offense. The inability to get the offense going, combined with terrible fourth-quarter defense, added up to two straight losses in games that were there for the taking heading into the final quarter.
We’ll see which version of the Cavs we get in Game 5 with the series shifting back to Cleveland.
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2) vs. Toronto Raptors (2-2)
Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH
When: Wed., April 29 at 7:30 PM
TV: ESPN
Point spread: Cavs -8.5
Cavs injury report: None
Raptors injury report: Immanuel Quickley – OUT (hamstring)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Raptors expected starting lineup: Jakobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles
Previous matchup: The Cavs squandered an eight-point lead in the final five minutes, allowing the Raptors to tie the series up at two games apiece.
Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
