Cavaliers vs. Raptors 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NBA playoffs online
The Raptors need to start playing better or their season could end soon.
The trio of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love has simply been too good for the Raptors to contain. The stars combined to score 68 of Cleveland's 108 points in Game 2 and dominated their matchups. Their great play on both ends has allowed the role players to stay in their lanes and contribute in the areas in which they are expected to without having pressure to step up. As a result, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith and the subs have made timely contributions and kept the solid play going even when one or two of the marquee players rest.
The opposite has happened with the Raptors. Kyle Lowry is struggling greatly in the scoring department and Jonas Valanciunas is out with injury. DeMar DeRozan is doing his best to carry the team but he's better suited as a second or third option. Since the starters are limited offensively, the bench is being asked to bring scoring to the table. They did a good job of it in Game 2 but they excelled during the regular season by defending and playing off Lowry. Toronto simply has not been able to keep up on offense and that has prevented them from even keeping the games close.
The Raptors have faced adversity in the past and have overcome it, so counting them out seems premature. However, unless they find a way to keep the Cavaliers from scoring inside at will and Lowry regains his All-Star form, it’s hard to see them come back and beating a Cleveland team that seems to be peaking at the right time.
A loss in Game 3 would essentially seal Toronto’s fate. If the Raptors have another gear, it’s time to use it.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3
Place: Air Canada Centre
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
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