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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Raptors at Cavs

TORONTO RAPTORS (11-2) 110, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (5-7) 93
Quicken Loans Arena
Saturday
Radio: WTAM-AM 1100, WMMS-FM 100.7, La Mega-FM 97.7
TV: Fox Sports Ohio


QUICK SHOTS: 1. This team is now lost four in a row. Remember, there were people predicting they'd win 70-some games. That's, obviously, absurd. Unless things turn around quickly, this could be one of the biggest flops in NBA history.

2. It's hard to say when was the best time to face the Raptors, who are tied with Memphis for the best record in the league. The Raptors have a lot going for them right now, starting with their backcourt of DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and backup Lou Williams. That trio combined for 79 points against the Cavaliers. Their roster is deep and talented. Let's not forget that they are well-coached with Dwane Casey.

3. I'd like to say the same thing about the Cavaliers. Right now, I can't. David Blatt's rotations and player substitutions are a mess. Bench players don't know when they are playing or if they are playing. On Friday in Washington, Dion Waiters was the fifth player Blatt brought into the game off the bench. He just tossed Brendan Haywood into the game after not seeing action in weeks. Maybe it was because he used to play in Washington. 

4. The players are starting to get bewildered. Their body language is terrible - and that starts with LeBron James. Blatt had better get a handle on all this in a hurry.

5. Blatt is hinting at a change in the starting lineup. Get Shawn Marion out of there. He can't shoot or handle, yet he's their starting shooting guard. I'd put Dion Waiters back in the starting lineup.

6. Kevin Love had a season-high 23 points and seven rebounds against the Raptors. That came at the right time, too. He looked like he was ready to go off on somebody.

7. Cavaliers guard Will Cherry spent five games with the Raptors in the preseason. Then he was waived and signed by the Cavs. He was guarding Lou Williams when he started going off. He ended with 36 points. Cherry is a D-League player. He's not an NBA player, and Williams recognized that in a hurry.

8. This Raptors team puts up points (110), but doesn't turn the ball over (8). Tonight was the third time they've had eight turnovers in games this week.

UP NEXT: vs. Orlando, Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m. Monday

STARTERS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Terrence Ross (6-7, 198)
PF Kevin Love (6-10, 243) vs. Amir Johnson (6-9, 249)
C Anderson Varejao (6-11, 267) vs. Jonas Valanciunas (7-0, 270)
SG Shawn Marion (6-7, 228) vs. DeMar DeRozan (6-7, 219)
PG Kyrie Irving (6-3, 193) vs. Kyle Lowry (6-1, 204)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - G Matthew Dellavedova, C Alex Kirk
Raptors - F James Johnson, F/C Tyler Hansbrough
OFFICIALS
Scott Foster, Dedric Taylor, Josh Tiven


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