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With the sweep firmly out of play, there’s still an opportunity for the Raptors to show some signs of dominance in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics just won out 4-0 against the Pacers, the Bucks are well on their way versus the Pistons, and the Sixers are laughing at 3-1 over the Nets. Only Toronto remains at the 2-1 mark on the precipice of either supremacy or another frustratingly long grind.
Not to disregard the Magic, who, it should be said, are playing for their life, the outcome of this series has always been predicated on what the Raptors do. They’re the number two seed, the squad with a realistic dream of the NBA Finals, and owner of a clear talent advantage over Orlando. They’re also the franchise that has won just two playoff series in their history in fewer than the maximum amount of games. That most recently happened last year against the Wizards, a series they managed to close in six, despite being the number one seed in the conference. Raptors gonna Raptor, is my point. [Ed. note: I originally completely forgot about the Bucks in 2017; I think I’m trying to keep Milwaukee from my mind.)
But hold that thought. These Raptors could be different! They showed it in Game 2, laying down a thorough beatdown on the Magic, and then again in Game 3, hanging on for a gritty road win. There’s no reason they can’t do it all again for Game 4. That’s what great teams do — and the Raptors are a great team.
Read up on the updated details below and then check in with Zakaria Abdulle’s full Raps-Magic Game 4 preview here.
Finally, let’s watch. And believe.
Where to Watch:
TSN1, 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00pm EST
Lineups:
Toronto – Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Orlando – D.J. Augustin, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Nikola Vucevic
Injuries:
Toronto – OG Anunoby (abdomen – OUT), Chris Boucher (back – day-to-day)
Orlando – Mohamed Bamba (leg – OUT), Markelle Fultz (shoulder – OUT), Timofey Mozgov (knee – OUT)