The Eastern Conference bracket is wide open as the Cavaliers and Raptors head to Game 6. The cumulative score through five games is Cleveland 559, Toronto 557.
The Cavs won Game 5 at home after struggling to score in the two games in Toronto. They looked to be in control after the first two games, but it suddenly became a tight series. The Cavs found their offense again in Game 5, but it remains to be seen if they can maintain that performance.
Three Points to Consider for Game 6
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday and will be broadcast on Prime Video.
- Turnovers
- Bench minutes
- Consistent scoring
Raptors’ Three-Point Woes and Ingram’s Status
The Raptors have struggled from beyond the arc, even with Immanuel Quickley absent. Through five games in this series, they’ve been outscored by 54 points from beyond the arc. In the regular season, even with Quickley, they were one of three playoff teams that ranked in the bottom 10 in both 3-point percentage (35.4%) and 3-point rate (36.3% of their shots).
Brandon Ingram left in the second quarter of Game 5 with heel inflammation and is listed as questionable for Game 6. He’s shot just 19-for-58 (33%) in this series.
Barnes’ Health a Concern for Toronto
Most important for Toronto is the health of Scottie Barnes, who suffered a quad contusion in the second quarter of Game 5. Barnes had just three points and missed all six of his shots after halftime, after scoring 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting in the first half.
Barnes has been the Raptors’ most important player on both ends of the floor. On offense, he’s averaging 24 points and eight assists. On defense, he’s spent most of his time defending James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, also providing some help in the paint.
If his quad is still bothering him and he’s limited in any way on Friday, the Raptors could be in trouble.
Possession is Key
The team that won the possession game was the team that won Games 1-4. Over the first two games, the Cavs got nine more shot opportunities than the Raptors. Over Games 3 and 4, the Raptors got 21 more shot opportunities than the Cavs.
But Game 5 went the other way. Cleveland won despite getting a lot fewer shots. Turnovers were even, but the Raptors dominated the glass. The issue was that the Raptors’ 15 offensive rebounds resulted in only 13 second-chance points. The Cavs shot much better in the paint, from 3-point range.
The No. 8 seed Orlando Magic are one win from upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.