NBA Playoffs 2016: Remaining Eastern Conference Finals Schedule and Predictions
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals could be a huge momentum-shifter for the Toronto Raptors.
After losing the first two contests of the series handily, Toronto submitted an excellent effort Saturday, stifling the Cavaliers' offense in all phases and controlling the boards. DeMar DeRozan submitted an efficient 32-point performance and Bismack Biyombo was huge with 26 rebounds and four blocks.
Will the Cavaliers respond in Game 4? Let's look at the series' remaining schedule and pick the outcome of the matchup.
Updated Series Predictions
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Cavaliers had won their first 10 games of the playoffs heading into Saturday's Game 3 against the Raptors. They had shot 47.3 percent from the field, 44.7 percent from three-point range, outrebounding their opponents by an average of 6.8 caroms per contest and outscoring them by 13.4 points per game.
Game 3 was a bit different. In scoring a playoff-low 84 points, Cleveland shot only 35.4 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from long distance. Toronto wrecked the Cavs on the glass with admirable toughness, winning the rebounding battle 54 to 40 and the game by a score of 99 to 84.
Was Saturday's contest a sign of things to come in the series? Yes and no.
The resilience the Raptors showed in Game 3 should energize the team to play with more effort and defensive focus from here on out, which wasn't the case during the first two contests in Cleveland. The Cavs' offense ran all over the Raptors and also outhustled them at the Quicken Loans Arena, winning both contests easily.
| Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors (CLE leads 2-1) | |||
| Game 4 (at Toronto) | 5/23 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 5 (at Cleveland) | 5/25 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 6 (at Toronto, if necessary) | 5/27 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 7 (at Cleveland, if necessary) | 5/29 | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Despite Toronto's jolt of energy, Cleveland is still easily a better and more experienced team. The explosiveness of the LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love trio is too much for the Raptors to hold to anywhere near 13-of-45 shooting again, which was the case in Game 3.
It also doesn't hurt Cleveland's chances that Raptors Jonas Valanciunas is still listed as doubtful for Monday's Game 4, per the team's media relations team. If he were to come back at 100 percent in this series, Toronto's offensive firepower would take a big leap.
Games 4 and 5 will be close thanks to the Raptors' renewed spirit, but LeBron and crew have the talent and ability to execute down the stretch that will help them win both contests.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 5
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