Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys Versus the Cleveland Cavaliers

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at the Air Canada Centre.

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The Toronto Raptors have a firm grasp on the second seed in the Eastern Conference, leading the Boston Celtics by six games and with seven fewer losses. However, Dwane Casey’s men still have designs on top spot.

As such, this encounter couldn’t be more crucial, with the Cleveland Cavaliers currently holding a three-game advantage. This is the type of match-up, which could hold major implications for the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign.

This will be the third and final meeting between the sides this season, with the teams splitting the first two games. We look at three keys, which will help determine who wins the season series.

1) Kyle Lowry vs Kyrie Irving

LeBron James is virtually guaranteed to have a good game. As such, it is up to the Raptors to control how much help he gets, as even James can’t do it all on his own.

In that respect, Kyle Lowry‘s match-up with Kyrie Irving could hold the key to the outcome. Lowry is undoubtedly the leader of the Raptors, and has taken his game to new heights this season.

However, the two-time All-Star will still have his hands full with Irving, who is tough for anyone to deal with when he gets going. Whoever wins this clash, will have a major say in which team emerges victorious.

2) Belief

Sometimes, no matter how talented a team is, there are just certain opponents who hold a psychological advantage over you. Look no further than the Chicago Bulls, who have won seven straight against the Raptors.

Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets ready as guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and center Bismack Biyombo (8) look on while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) looks on at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

In that respect, if may come down to belief, in determining the Raptors’ chances on Friday night. The Cavaliers have won four of the six meetings between the two sides, since James returned to Cleveland.

However, the fact DeMar DeRozan and company have two wins has to count for something, and help with their confidence. It also helps that this game is taking place at the ACC, where Toronto has the fourth-best home record in the NBA, including a thrilling victory versus the Cavaliers earlier this season.

3) J.R. Smith

Along with James and Irving, Kevin Love makes up the Cavaliers’ ‘big three’. However, despite having a very productive game in the previous match-up at the ACC (21 points and 13 rebounds), he was unable to help Cleveland win, with the team actually being -7, when he was on the court.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Love isn’t capable of influencing the outcome. However, it is J.R. Smith who could prove to be the X-factor in this one.

The wily veteran played a significant part the last time these two teams met, contributing 24 points in 30 minutes of action, one off Irving’s game-leading 25. Certainly, Smith can warm up at any time, as evidenced by a stat line of 16 points, five boards, three steals and two assists in his previous game, against the Charlotte Hornets.

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What do you expect from the Raptors against the Cavaliers? Will they come away with a crucial win? Let us know in the comments section below.

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