5 Reasons Why the Cavs-Raptors Game Friday Night in Toronto Is Not “Just Another Game”

1. The Standings

The Cavaliers have been in control of the Eastern Conference all season long, but the Raptors are breathing right down their necks, just three games back.

If Toronto were to win Friday night at home, it would make it a two-game margin for the number one-seed with 25 games left for both teams. Toronto still has a legitimate shot to get the top seed in the East. If the Cavs win, they’ll be ahead four games. It’s simple math, but it makes a big difference.

Some would say “So, what if Toronto did pass up Cleveland in the standings? Atlanta was number one in the East last year and the Cavs swept them.”

While that is true, it’s worth noting that both Cleveland and Toronto are much better teams at home than they are away from friendly confines.

The Cavs are 24-5 at home, but 17-10 on the road.

Toronto is 20-6 north of the border, but 18-12 outside of Canada.

To think the Cavs are invincible would be to deny the evidence at hand, and that one extra home game in a series could make a big difference.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6