Two games. Two wins. Not much stress. That’s been the story so far for the Cavaliers.
Now it shifts. Game 3 heads to Toronto, and if you ask Max Strus, this is where it really begins.
“The series hasn’t even started yet until you go on the road,” Strus told reporters. “So we got to come in with an aggressive mindset… and play our best basketball.”
He’s not wrong. Different building. Different energy. Different game. Let’s get to it.
Who: Cavs (2-0) at Raptors (0-2)
Where: Scotiabank Arena — Toronto
When: Thursday, April 23, 8 p.m. ET
TV: Prime Video
Line: Cavs -3
What’s changed?
Toronto is searching. The Raptors went small in Game 2, benching Jakob Poeltl for the entire second half and rolling with Collin Murray-Boyles at center.
That may stick. They need speed. Switchability. Something to disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm.
Because right now, the Cavs are too comfortable.
Mobley in control
This has quietly been a big part of it.
Evan Mobley has looked like a different player through two games — confident, aggressive, in command.
“He’s in a great, great spot,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Physically, this is probably the best I’ve seen him move in two years… he’s kind of in a flow state right now.”
That shows up everywhere. Scoring. Passing. Offensive boards. Different level.
Injury check
Nothing major, but worth watching.
Cavaliers: Thomas Bryant — Questionable (calf)
Raptors: Immanuel Quickley — Questionable (hamstring)
Quickley is the swing piece. If he plays, Toronto’s offense has more juice. If not, it’s more of the same uphill climb.
Expected lineups
Cavaliers: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Raptors: Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Murray-Boyles
Bottom line
The Cavs have been in control. Now comes the Raptors’ attempted response.
If the Cavs bring the same focus on the road, this thing could get away from Toronto in a hurry. If the Raptors find some life — especially with Quickley — maybe it tightens.
Either way, this is where the series starts to feel real.
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