The Toronto Raptors are putting their two-game winning streak on the line against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto is coming off wins against the Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Now, they are in Cleveland to take on the best team in the NBA.
The Cavaliers are 16-1, that lone loss coming to the Boston Celtics. Their last game was against the New Orleans Pelicans, who they handled 128-100.
It is worth noting that these two teams met on opening night at Scotiabank Arena. Cleveland dominated the Raptors, 136-106 and Scottie Barnes struggled mightily.
This was due to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen clogging up potential driving lanes for Barnes. While the young star has improved his outside shooting, driving is an integral part to his game.
Hopefully, he is able to score more efficiently this time around. However, RJ Barrett did not suit up in that first meeting, making Cleveland having to shift focus defensively off Barnes.
Darius Garland missed Wednesday’s game with a sore left groin. If he is not able to suit up, Toronto still cannot breathe a sigh of relief.
It means Donovan Mitchell is going to be shouldering more of an offensive load. But, he has proven he is capable of doing so.
Ty Jerome has become a surprisingly useful bench piece for the Cavaliers and showed up in a big way in Garland’s absence. Dropping 29 points on 10-for-19 from the field and 7-for-12 from three-point distance in 23 minutes.
Cleveland is not shy about getting their three-pointers up, so not allowing them to get going from beyond-the-arc is going to be key. However, there is pressure on Jakob Poeltl and Barnes to limit Mobley and Allen from scoring in the paint.
Limiting the Cavaliers to one opportunity and finishing defensive possessions with rebounds is going to be vital for the Raptors.
Toronto Raptors (4-12) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-1)
7:30 p.m. EST, Sunday, November 24, 2024
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Gradey Dick
SG: Ochai Agbaji
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Davion Mitchell, Jonathan Mogbo
Projected Cavaliers Starting Lineup:
PG: Ty Jerome
SG: Donovan Mitchell
SF: Jaylon Tyson
PF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
Key Reserves: Craig Porter Jr., Georges Niang, Luke Travers
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