The Cleveland Cavaliers shackled the Orlando Magic in Game 1, ruining the young squad’s playoff debut. Can the Cavs make it 2-0?

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Orlando Magic (0-1)

Projected starting five:

• Jalen Suggs
• Gary Harris
• Franz Wagner
• Paolo Banchero
• Wendell Carter Jr.

The upstart Magic got a rude awakening in their first postseason action, 97-83. They were limited to their second-lowest scoring output of the season, as well as a season-low 32.6% shooting, including 8-of-37 from beyond the arc. 

Leading scorer Paolo Banchero did his thing with 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but was also forced to commit a career-high nine turnovers. Franz Wagner was okay with 18 points and three blocks, though it was ultimately ineffective.

As such, tomorrow will be a good test as to how quickly Banchero and Wagner can reload from such a frustrating outing. 

Still, though, the other guys should look to be more active and efficient. Jalen Suggs, for one, shot an abysmal 4-of-16, while Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Markelle Fultz, and Joe Ingles combined for zero field goals in 19 attempts. That’s disgusting and no team can win with four rotation guys failing to make a shot.

Defensively, the group forced 17 turnovers, but it was basically for nothing as it wasn’t fully capitalized, as evident in playing behind all game long.

HOME: Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0)  

Projected starting five:

• Darius Garland
• Donovan Mitchell
• Max Strus
• Evan Mobley
• Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers jumped into a good start to their postseason with the victory. It should provide the good confidence-booster they need considering the egg they laid last year.

Also adding to the good sign is the main guys showed up well. Donovan Mitchell supplied a game-high 30 points, Jarret Allen (16 pts, 18 rebs) and Evan Mobley (16 pts, 11 rebs) each had a double-double, and Darius Garland was serviceable manning the point (14 pts, 8 asst). At least one should be able to duplicate that performance tomorrow.

It would’ve been better to have guys like Max Strus, Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and Isaac Okoro to produce more (all were held to single-digit scoring), but it’s good for now, and they’ll have another chance to showcase their play.

Cleveland mirrored Orlando’s terrible night from three as the group shot just 8-of-30. We’ll if Game 2 will be more efficient.

PICKS:

Spread: Cavaliers (-5.5)

Over/Under: Under (202.5)