"The Raptors have beaten the Cavs more than any other top team in the East. They beat Orlando once, but only accumulated losses against the Pistons, Celtics, and Knicks. Cleveland is the only team in the top six that the Raptors have beaten consistently-although rarely at full force."
"After a blockbuster trade that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden, the Cavs look rather different, and the Raptors haven't faced that version of the team yet. The Cavs' roster shakeup poses one all-important question for the Raptors: Is Cleveland still a good first-round matchup with Harden in the mix?"
"Unfortunately, the Raptors won't get the answer to that question until it may be too late. They have no games left against the Cavs in the regular season, so, if the two teams meet again, it will be in the playoffs."
The Raptors have dominated the Cavaliers this season, winning all three regular season matchups while struggling against other Eastern Conference playoff contenders. Scottie Barnes has been particularly effective against Cleveland's frontcourt. However, the Cavs' acquisition of James Harden in a trade for Darius Garland significantly changes their team dynamics. The Raptors have not faced this new Cavs roster and will not play them again in the regular season, meaning any playoff matchup would occur without prior experience against the reconfigured team. This uncertainty raises questions about whether Cleveland remains a favorable first-round opponent for Toronto.
Read at Raptors Rapture
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