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East Finals: Behind Enemy Lines

By Jared Mueller

Feb 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey yells out instructions against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 99-97. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey yells out instructions against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 99-97. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Going into the East Finals, we go Behind Enemy Lines with Raptors Rapture covering Toronto to learn more:

1. Any updates on Jonas Valanciunas?

Jonas Valanciunas is “day to day”, at least officially. He sustained a high ankle sprain when he landed awkwardly during Game 3 of this just-concluded series. It’s been 10 days, and he’s not close to returning to the court. You won’t see him in Cleveland, though there is some hope he could be ready when the series comes to Toronto.

2. The story of the Raptors has been Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, can you explain their up and down play?

No, I can’t, other than to give them the benefit of the doubt about injuries (DeRozan – thumb on shooting hand/Lowry – sore right elbow). What I can say is that the first series against the Pacers, and much of the Heat series, was painful to watch. I’ve been around the Raptors since Day 1, so I’ve seen DeRozan many times. The slump he was in reminded me of his rookie season, when he was a premier brick-tosser.
Lowry was harder to figure. He went up straight, his form looked fine, but the shots weren’t falling. He’s been much better the last three games. Both of them appear to be out of whatever funk they were suffering from.

3. DeMarre Carroll was a huge piece for the Hawks but seems like an after thought in Toronto, any reasons?

Bear in mind Carroll only played in 26 games. He was out for months after sustaining a major knee injury early on. His first season in The Six wasn’t exactly what he or anyone else wanted. The Raptors were winning even in his absence, and are still making adjustments now he’s back, particularly in the half-court offense. I don’t think his knee is 100% yet. He looks creaky on defense. Fortunately he’s shooting well (39.6%) from beyond the arc in the playoffs, and is helping on the boards. We’re happy with him.

4. What gives Raptors fans hope in this series after the Cavs sweeping thru the first 2 rounds?

We’d have a lot of hope if JV were back. As it is, we’re cautiously optimistic for several reasons:

More from King James Gospel

  • Lowry and DeRozan appear to be out of their slumps.
  • Biyombo has filled in admirably as the starting centre.
  • Patrick Patterson looks comfortable at power forward, at least defensively. He’s struggling mightily with his shot; if it returns, Cleveland will need to adjust.
  • Terrence Ross has shot the ball well from deep, and has shown some moxie when he drives to the basket.
  • The Raptors won 2 of 3 against Cleveland this season.
  • Cory Joseph has handled the backup point guard role very well.

5. What is your prediction for the series?

Picking the Raptors in the first two rounds was easy. Against Cleveland…? That’s a much tougher proposition. But I didn’t get here by being bashful. Toronto in 6.

What do you think of their bold prediction? Check out our answers to them here.