The Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic are going the distance, with the home team winning each time. Can the Cavs keep it that way and advance?
Catch the game this Monday, May 6th at 1:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Orlando Magic (3-3)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Suggs
- Gary Harris
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Wendell Carter Jr.
Facing elimination at home in the core’s first playoff series together, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner stepped in and did what was expected, posting 27 and 26 points, respectively. They led the 103-96 win that forced an exciting do-or-die Game 7 this Monday.
Similar to what they’ve been doing all season, Banchero (25.2 PPG) and Wagner (21.0) are standing as the top scorers. Both have had their lumps in the series, though, and we shall see if they’ve truly straightened it out, especially since Monday will be the biggest games of their lives yet. They will continue to have an advantage over their Cavs counterparts, and less-experienced or not, it’s always their matchup to lose.
Guards Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Markelle Fultz, and bigs Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac will collectively provide the offensive and defensive support. Suggs is the third scorer at 15.5 PPG, and he too can take it to the defense. He’s the lone double-digit scorer outside of the star forwards, though, and it will be nice if someone from the supporting cast can join in.
HOME: Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3)
Projected starting five:
- Darius Garland
- Donovan Mitchell
- Max Strus
- Isaac Okoro
- Evan Mobley
Donovan Mitchell did everything he could in Game 6 as he erupted for 50 points on 22-of-36 shooting. It was the second highest scoring playoff game in franchise history (behind LeBron James in Game 1 of the 2018 finals). It wasn’t enough, though, mainly because there’s no “I” in “team.” Now, don’t get it wrong. Mitchell didn’t play that way – his teammates did, basically.
Get this: no other Cavalier scored in the fourth quarter besides Mitchell. The All-Star guard supplied all of the team’s 18 points, with the rest shooting 0-of-6. Winning a game under that team dynamic is next to impossible, especially in a closeout game on the road. Darius Garland (21 pts) and Max Strus (10 pts) are also just the other Cavs to reach double figures for the contest.
Garland should look to be more assertive on offense to remove pressure on Mitchell, and that alone should open up a lot of things, be it for the two of them, Strus, or any of the other guys. Evan Mobley, who had an unacceptable three points in 34 minutes during Game 6, is hopefully itching to redeem himself. He’s also being eyed upon since Jarrett Allen is out.
PICKS:
Spread: Cavaliers (-4)
Over/Under: Under (195.5)
