The Cleveland Cavaliers can close the series against the Orlando Magic this Saturday. Will the Cavs do just that and move on to meet the Boston Celtics in the second round? Or, will the Orlando Magic force a Game 7?
Catch this game live on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 7:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2)
Projected Starting Five:
- Darius Garland
- Donovan Mitchell
- Max Strus
- Evan Mobley
- Jarrett Allen (Questionable )
Even without Jarrett Allen, the Cavs got the job done in Game 5, scoring a thrilling 104-103 win at home to take a 3-2 series lead and push the Magic to the brink of elimination. Perhaps Allen’s absence due to a bruised rib was a blessing in disguise for Cleveland as it might have allowed Darius Garland to get the spark he needed in the series. Garland had been underwhelming up until Game 5 in which he gathered 23 points on 9/16 shooting from the floor.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell produced 28 points. Mitchell went just 9/23 from the field but was 9/10 from the free-throw line. If Allen returns in Game 6, the Cavs will get back a tough rim protector and a big thorn in the side of the Magic on the glass, as he is averaging 1.0 blocks and 13.8 rebounds per game this series. The Cavs are also showing above-average unselfishness in the series, always keeping the young Magic on their toes defensively. Cleveland’s 63.2 percent unassisted field goals made rate is fourth best in the playoffs thus far.
Home: Orlando Magic (2-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- Jalen Suggs
- Gary Harris (GTD)
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Wendell Carter Jr.
The lack of playoff experience on the side of the Magic may be greatly exaggerated. Before this season, the Magic only had four players with experience in the postseason, but they have shown poise of late, notwithstanding the loss in Game 5. After being down 2-0 in the series, the Magic could have easily folded but they have fought back with a chance to tie it all up again this Saturday at home. Speaking of which, the Magic have won seven of their last 10 home games against Cleveland. They have also gone 6-3-1 against the spread in that same stretch.
In Game 5, Paolo Banchero rebounded from a nine-point performance a game before by going off for 39 points on 13/24 shooting from the field. With elimination staring them in the face, the Magic are going to need the same kind of game from Banchero and a big bounce-back performance from Franz Wagner, who only had 14 points on 3/11 shooting in Game 5.
Picks
Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers (+4)
Over/Under: Under (199.5)
