Toronto Raptors Two-Man Game: Raptors vs. Cavaliers Series Preview

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Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks with forward Serge Ibaka (9) after beating Milwaukee Bucks 106-100 in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

What’s your starting 5 and final 5 against the Cavs in this series

Chris: My starting five would be: Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Tucker, Carroll and Ibaka.

I know, I know, Raptors fans aren’t fond of DeMarre Carroll right now, but I’m not saying play him in a featured role this series. Just start him against Kevin Love and use him to switch everything on defence. Once the game flow becomes too fast for him, or the matchups change, pull him for Patterson.

My closing five would be the one we’ve become accustomed to seeing: Lowry, DeRozan, Tucker, Patterson and Ibaka.

This is the Raptors “optimal lineup” and it’s also their best lineup to combat the Cavs.

Demar: Starting five: Lowry, DeRozan, Tucker, Carroll and Ibaka.

I’m laying a trap here. Carroll guarding Love is a mismatch in favour of the Cavs but how significant is that really? Love isn’t necessarily killing people in the post this year and if the Cavs are force feeding him to exploit the mismatch is that better in the long run? Beats having to face Lebron at the rim and the Cavalier’s 3 point shooting.

Final five: Lowry, DeRozan, Tucker, Patterson and Ibaka.

Flexibility, versatility, shooting and rim protection. Those are the virtues of today’s NBA and this lineup has all of it and more. Every switch is possible with this five-man group and they’re the people I trust most on the team (I love you Norm, but you can only have five guys on the court), pretty much a no brainer to me.

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