Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Toronto Raptors in game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series. The Cavaliers lead the series 2-0 after winning in game 2, 128-110. Cleveland stunned the Raptors by winning both games in Toronto and now looks to push the Raptors to the brink of elimination in game 3.

The Toronto Raptors just cannot solve LeBron James and the Cavs. Cleveland has eliminated Toronto the previous two seasons, and the Raptors are in danger of seeing it happen again. The Raptors must make major adjustments in game 3, or they will be staring at a 3-0 series deficit. The Cleveland Cavaliers are -4.5 over the Toronto Raptors in game 3.

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LeBron Finally Has Support

The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the series in part, because LeBron James has had plenty of help. LeBron credited his teammates for picking him up in game 1, but LeBron did most of the heavy lifting in game 2. James scored a game high 43 points while also dishing out 14 assists. Many of those assists went to Kevin Love, who finally proved his worth in these playoffs. Love poured in 31 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds in the game 2 win.

JR Smith and Jeff Green have also stepped up in a big way so far in this series. With the Raptors putting so much focus on LeBron, these two veterans have made Toronto pay. After surviving a tough round 1, it appears that the Cavaliers are finally hitting their stride as a team. With a full team effort in game 3, the Cavaliers could put a stranglehold on this series.

Toronto Can’t Solve the Cavs

The Toronto Raptors and their entire fanbase thought that this would be the year that they finally get past the Cavs. It might still happen, but Toronto is going to have to play much better in game 3. The Raptors blew a late lead in game 1, and got blown out on their home floor in game 2. Toronto hopes that they can turn their fortunes around on the road.

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have played terrific for the Raptors, but now they are the team looking for depth. Toronto had a balanced attack in their opening round series, but that hasn’t been the case versus the Cavaliers. Serge Ibaka has scored just 11 points in this series, and must provide some offense in game 3. Toronto has more experience and more depth than the Cavs and must prove it the rest of the series.

Raptors Find a Way

The Cavaliers know that they can wrap this series up in Cleveland, but it won’t come easy. There was a reason that the Raptors were the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. Toronto has too much talent to be held down for 3 games in a row.

At this point it appears that the Cavaliers dominance over them is in the Raptors’ players’ heads. Look for the Raptors to break through in game 3, with Lowry and DeRozan leading the way. LeBron will do his best, but the Cavaliers depth will be tested in game 3. Look for the Raptors to steal a game back and take game 3 in Cleveland. Bet the Toronto Raptors +4.5 over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

  • Bet the Toronto Raptors +4.5
  • Bet on the  Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5
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