With one game left in the regular season, the Raptors have nothing left to play. It’s as anticlimactic a season ending as you can find between two teams that many (most?) analysts guess will see one another at some point in the playoffs.
The only thing left to be determined is when in the bracket they could meet, which is only partially in Toronto’s control as it depends on where Cleveland finishes in the standings.
At the same time as both team’s play one another tonight, the Boston Celtics will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks. A Celtics win would give Boston the top seed in the East, while a Boston loss and a Cleveland win would vault the Cavs into the top spot.
Whoever falls to the second seed would be Toronto’s likely second round opponent (assuming both advance). Many are already wondering whether Toronto might try and out-suck a Cavs team that is likely resting LeBron James. Toronto could do their part by losing to Cleveland, in an effort to find themselves in what could be a more favorable playoff bracket.
In response to that I will paraphrase Masai Ujiri: F***, Cleveland.
For the majority of the season I’ve been anxious about avoiding the Cavs in the playoffs for as long as possible. This was my central fear when Kyle Lowry’s injury was to be announced. “Will Toronto fall into Cleveland’s bracket and have to face them before the conference final?? Oh crap.”
But I’ve reached a point beyond caring about such fears. I want the Cavs. I need the Cavs. And I don’t care if this comes back to bite the Raptors in the end.
There is no difference when it comes to losing in the second round or the conference finals against the incumbent favorite. You have to go through the league’s best, and since LeBron returned home Cleveland has been the best the East has had to offer.
And yes, I recognize that there is no guarantee the Raptors, or the Cavs for that matter, advance past the first round of the playoffs. Milwaukee presents a unique/fun challenge for the Raptors based on Giannis alone, but I’m obviously picking Toronto to move on.
Looking at the Eastern Conference playoff teams, I also can’t help but believe the Raptors are the biggest threat to Cleveland advancing to a third straight NBA Finals. Notorious Boston homer Bill Simmons even agrees (has said so on a few podcasts).
The goal for Toronto is no longer simply to repeat the success of last season. It changed the moment Masai acquired Serge Ibaka and PJ Tucker. The goal is to prove themselves as legitimate contenders, and that road goes through Cleveland.
I also want to test the Cleveland playoff switch. We’ve been hearing about it for weeks (months?), as fans and media jump at the idea that the Cavs can automatically correct their flaws when the playoffs start.
The Cavs have the second worst defense in the league since All Star Weekend, with a defensive rating of 111.1. The Los Angeles Lakers are the only team worse over that time.
Based on LeBron James alone, it’s likely safe to assume that Cleveland does have another gear they can hit in the playoffs, but I don’t think it’s will be as easy as flipping a switch. The more games and more opportunity the Cavs have to care, the more chance they have to round into form.
Would the Raptors be favored in a series against a healthy Cavs? Of course not. Are the Raptors talented enough to pose some problems? I hope so.
Either way, the Cavs currently block the path of any team hoping to advance out of the Eastern Conference. No matter when the result ends up being, I want the Raptors to at least have the opportunity to dethrone the King.
After the Bucks (knock on wood), bring on the Cavs.
