Game Summary
The Wine & Gold will play their second game in as many days when they welcome the Toronto Raptors tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Cleveland (5-6) aims to snap a three-game skid after falling to the Wizards, 91-78, last night in Washington.
Against the Wizards, LeBron James tallied a team-high 22 points while Anderson Varejao chipped in 10 points to go along with nine rebounds.
Toronto (10-2) concluded a 6-1 homestand by routing Milwaukee, 124-83, last night.
The Raptors led by as many as 52 points, setting a club record, while finishing with a season-high in points scored and three-point field goals made with 15 treys.
BROADCAST INFO
TV: FOX Sports Ohio
Where to Watch | Programming Note
RADIO: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, AM 1590 WAKR (Akron) Cavaliers Radio Network
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Get everything you need to know about tonight's matchup. Game Notes
Probable Starters/Status Update*presented by Cleveland Clinic
Status Update: Matthew Dellavedova, (Left Knee MCL Sprain, Out)
Raptors: PG - Kyle Lowry, SG - DeMar Derozen, SF - Terrence Ross PF - Amir Johnson, C - Jonas Valanciunas
Status Update: (Raptors) - James Johnson, (Sprained Right Ankle, Out)
*Subject to change
Joe G's Three Keys
1. Reserve Judgment – Because of a vastly improved starting lineup, the Cavs bench – which has been one of the most potent in the Eastern Conference over the past few years – has been asked to do less. But Cleveland’s reserves were badly outscored on Friday night in Washington and will need to find more production against the Raptors – whose Lou Williams led the team with 22 points in Toronto’s 41-point drubbing of the Bucks.
2. Get Offensive – The Cavs were averaging nearly 120 points per contest during their four-game win streak, but have averaged just 88.3 during their three-game skein. The aforementioned reserves will have to pick up some slack, but Cleveland’s Big 3 has to snap out of its funk as well. LeBron has been averaging just under 20 ppg over the past three games and the reigning Player of the Week is due for a breakout game. Nothing like a full-house at The Q to jumpstart the cause.
3. Go Fourth – The Raptors have the best record in the East and are coming off a 6-1 homestand. Part of that is their prowess late in games. On one hand, hey lead the league in double-digit comeback wins; on the other, they’re 7-0 when leading after three quarters. Over the last four games, they’ve restricted foes to an NBA-best 18.8 points in the fourth quarter, holding each below 40 percent from the floor. Like a baseball team going against a hot closer, it might be best to get to the Raptors early.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The Cavs lead the all-time series against the Raptors 39-33 (21-15 Home, 18-18 Road).
In the two teams last matchup this past March, Dion Waiters tallied a game-high 24 points on 10-19 (.526) shooting, three rebounds, a team-high tying seven assists and two blocks in 43 minutes as the Wine & Gold came away with a 102-100 victory.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: FOX Sports Ohio, Radio: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, AM 1590 WAKR (Akron)
For live in-game updates, follow @cavs, @CavsJoeG, @CavsFredMcLeod, @MrCavalier34, @CavsJMike, @chones22 and @ElalcaldeRafa on Twitter.
Programming Note: Tonight, FOX Sports Ohio is airing the Blue Jackets – Fylers game (7:00pm) and the Cavs – Raptors game (7:30pm). More Info | View Conflict Schedule
Game Promotion
Toy Drive presented Yonanas - 100% Fruit Soft Serve: More Info
On Deck
After tonight’s game, the Wine & Gold will host the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday night at 7:00 p.m. ET.