Everything Valanciunas

[DanH]

I guess if he does play, he'd come off the bench? Or at least, I'd hope so. Let Biz ride that momentum from last game...

It actually sets up a very nice rotation, not ideal but fits nicely since they insist on starting Scola (who you definitely don't want to start JV beside).

Biz starts with Scola. Mid 1st, sub Lowry and Scola and Biz off for Joseph, JV and PP. Start of 2nd go Lowry plus bench, then mid 2nd sub DD, Carroll, JV back in for Ross, Joseph, Biz. Same idea in the 3rd/4th.

Trick is to use JV heavily with those bench lineups to punish any small lineups the Cavs throw out there.

[Bonus Jonas]

It actually sets up a very nice rotation, not ideal but fits nicely since they insist on starting Scola (who you definitely don't want to start JV beside).

Biz starts with Scola. Mid 1st, sub Lowry and Scola and Biz off for Joseph, JV and PP. Start of 2nd go Lowry plus bench, then mid 2nd sub DD, Carroll, JV back in for Ross, Joseph, Biz. Same idea in the 3rd/4th.

Trick is to use JV heavily with those bench lineups to punish any small lineups the Cavs throw out there.

I'd love to see Channing Frye attempting to guard JV in the post

[DanH]

I'd love to see Channing Frye attempting to guard JV in the post

Exactly. Have to make it happen though, can't let them run that lineup out without punishing them on every play for it.

[Bonus Jonas]

Exactly. Have to make it happen though, can't let them run that lineup out without punishing them on every play for it.

Issue is we really don't have any other bigs that can post up.

Demar and Kyle do it but JV is our only big guy that can make Frye pay in the post.

PPat really has to attack him more often when they're out there together.

Or run a JJ-PPat pick and roll.

[Barolt]

Exactly. Have to make it happen though, can't let them run that lineup out without punishing them on every play for it.

I've read a lot about how Frye can punish JV, but that matchup goes both ways, and dunks are still more efficient than even open 3s.

[A.I]

I've read a lot about how Frye can punish JV, but that matchup goes both ways, and dunks are still more efficient than even open 3s.

Only problem is that with Lebron in the game, Frye will no doubt get tons of opportunities to shoot while JV won't get many post ups because of Casey.

[JimiCliff]

Only problem is that with Lebron in the game, Frye will no doubt get tons of opportunities to shoot while JV won't get many post ups because of Casey.

Even if that's the case, he'll do more than enough damage on the glass.

[KeonClark]

I love Ben and I don't think I'd go that far. I don't care what random stats (especially since defensive ones are generally a lot worse) you could pull to defend it. Top 5 usually means franchise player. Ben Wallace was hands down the best defensive player in the league, but he still was not a franchise player.

*Probably in the tier just below that. And probably so was Billups. Right now I think Lowry is the only guy we have in that tier. And Jonas I think showed he can be too. DeMar isn't quite there IMO, but we know at least a couple posters here will disagree with that.

Yeah Wallace was never near top 5. He was dominant at his own rim but that's a case of fond memories skewing reality

[newraptor]

This or 1-4 :/

[Gambino]

Ben Wallace was a top 5 talent back then.

People never give defensive stars enough credit.

Pretty hard to be top 5 when you're useless on the offensive end of the floor.

[KHD]

Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) upgraded to gametime decision. Signs are that he will play tonight for Raptors vs. Cavs.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 23, 2016

[GLF]

The problem is if JV does start against Frye (because it looks like they're going to start Frye over Thompson as their adjustment) Frye is going to get open look after open look. Frye is shooting like 50% I believe from 3. He literally doesn't miss when open. Even if JV punishes him in the paint you are giving up 3's for 2's. Not a good recipe for success. I guess the hope is that Frye fouls JV a lot and gets into foul trouble I guess. But it's sounding more and more like JV might play. But he definitely won't be 100% and I don't know if you want him running after Frye on the perimeter if his ankle is still sore like Casey said it was. Maybe he should come off the bench and you continue to start Biz? Idunno

[KHD]

The problem is if JV does start against Frye (because it looks like they're going to start Frye over Thompson as their adjustment) Frye is going to get open look after open look. Frye is shooting like 50% I believe from 3. He literally doesn't miss when open. Even if JV punishes him in the paint you are giving up 3's for 2's. Not a good recipe for success. I guess the hope is that Frye fouls JV a lot and gets into foul trouble I guess. But it's sounding more and more like JV might play. But he definitely won't be 100% and I don't know if you want him running after Frye on the perimeter if his ankle is still sore like Casey said it was. Maybe he should come off the bench and you continue to start Biz? Idunno

I wouldn't expect JV to start today either way.

But it's not trading 3s for 2s. the teams don't shoot 100%.

If they start Frye over Thompson you'd be getting tons of 2nd shot opportunities at one end if they leave Frye in to check JV. Personally I think you can punish them more with that than they can punish you on our end.

Also biyombo is equally averse to leaving the paint for the most part.

As long as we don't play Scola and JV together I think we're fine.

[GLF]

I wouldn't expect JV to start today either way.

But it's not trading 3s for 2s. the teams don't shoot 100%.

If they start Frye over Thompson you'd be getting tons of 2nd shot opportunities at one end if they leave Frye in to check JV. Personally I think you can punish them more with that than they can punish you on our end.

Also biyombo is equally averse to leaving the paint for the most part.

As long as we don't play Scola and JV together I think we're fine.

Good points. But I'm not getting my hopes up for JV after what Josh Lewenberg has twitter about it being less than a 50/50 chance JV plays.

[KHD]

Good points. But I'm not getting my hopes up for JV after what Josh Lewenberg has twitter about it being less than a 50/50 chance JV plays.

yeah i dunno if i'm expecting him to play, just posted the tweet.