Cavs-Raptors game day break-down

Friday, October 28th, 2016

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– Cavaliers (1-0, 1st in Central): The defending NBA champions will try to keep their winning momentum rolling after an impressive (117-88) opening night victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday.

The Cavs now travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors inside The Air Canada Centre for the first game of a back-to-back set (Orlando Magic on Saturday).

These two sides are familiar foes, no doubt. Most NBA fans will remember Cleveland edging out Toronto (four games to two) in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Cavaliers Head Coach Tyronn Lue spoke to members of the media after Thursday’s practice with regards to Cleveland’s upcoming match-up in Toronto, saying, “We’ll have our hands full, but we’ll be prepared for it.”

With rookie point guard Kay Felder and Iman Shumpert both under the NBA’s concussion protocol program this week, Coach Lue and the Cavs may indeed “have their hands full”.

Shumpert participated in Thursday’s practice before the team flew to Toronto. Joe Vardon of www.cleveland.com reports that the savvy defenseman and (now) backup point guard may indeed be cleared to play in Cleveland’s first road game of the season.

Iman Shumpert (concussion) may play against Raptors @clevelanddotcom https://t.co/ZolgfC0q2l

— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) October 27, 2016

Reports also indicate that Felder will pass his concussion protocol as well. However, if Felder somehow isn’t cleared to play tonight in Toronto, the Cavs will likely run DeAndre Liggins at the backup point guard position.

* Milestone alerts *

LeBron James needs 11 defensive rebounds to become the Cavaliers’ all-time leader (4,020); 95 points to pass Hakeem Olajuwon (26,946 points) for 10th in NBA history; seven field goals to pass Patrick Ewing (9,702) for 15th all time.

Kyrie Irving (550 made 3PFG) is one 3-pointer from moving past Wes Person for fourth in team history.

J.R. Smith is five 3-pointers from passing Steve Nash (1,685) for 16th in NBA history.

* Cavaliers projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Kyrie Irving (6′-3″, 193 lbs)
(SG) J.R. Smith (6′-6″, 225 lbs)
(SF) LeBron James (6′-8″, 250 lbs)
(PF) Kevin Love (6′-10″, 251 lbs)
(PF) Tristan Thompson (6′-10″, 238 lbs)

* Cavaliers injury report *

– (PG) Kay Felder (concussion protocol): Probable
– (SG) Iman Shumpert (concussion protocol): Probable

– Raptors (1-0, 1st in Atlantic): Toronto cruised to a decisive (109-91) victory over the Detroit Pistons in their season opener on Wednesday night, led by DeMar DeRozan’s game-high 40 points.

DeMar DeRozan & Jonas Valanciunas are first teammates in NBA history with 40-point game & 30-point game in season opener (via @EliasSports)

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 27, 2016

DeMar DeRozan had 40 points through the 3rd quarter, most points in a season opener in Raptors history

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 27, 2016

Pistons Head Coach Stan Van Gundy reflected on Wednesday night’s loss to the Raptors with members of the media in a post-game interview, saying: “We played poorly, clearly.”

Toronto will have high expectations this season after posting a franchise-best 56 wins in last year’s campaign. Raptors Head Coach Dwane Casey has improved his team’s record in each of his five years at the helm. And this year, Coach Casey will be pushing his team for more of the same.

* Raptors projected starting lineup (subject to change) *

(PG) Kyle Lowry (6′-0″, 205 lbs)
(SG) DeMar DeRozan (6′-7″, 220 lbs)
(SF) DeMarre Carroll (6′-8″, 212 lbs)
(PF) Pascal Siakam (6′-9″, 230 lbs)
(C) Jonas Valanciunas (7′-0″, 265 lbs)

* Raptors injury report *

– (PG) Delon Wright (shoulder): Out
– (PF) Jared Sullinger (foot): Out
– (C) Lucas Nogueira (ankle): Questionable

* All stats and information via www.basketball-reference.com, www.rotoworld.com, www.nba.com, www.espn.com, Elias Sports Bureau, and The Associated Press *