Cavs vs Magic predictions for Sport 1 and NBA playoff sequence – Akron Beacon Journal

The Cleveland Cavaliers are again within the NBA playoffs for a second straight season. They hope to stay round for much longer this time.
A yr after getting bounced in 5 video games because the No. 4 seed by the fifth-seeded New York Knicks, the Cavs are once more the fourth seed after a 48-34 common season. The Orlando Magic (47-35) are the No. 5 seed this time. The groups cut up 4 video games in the course of the season.
Here is how our two writers who’ve adopted the Cavs all season, Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich, view Sport 1 and the way they see the best-of-seven sequence unfolding.
LEWIS: Tristan Thompson hopes the Cavaliers present they’ve added a brand new stage of toughness inside the first 5 minutes of Sport 1. That is been their purpose for roughly a yr, and so they have a matchup through which they will be examined in that regard towards an Orlando Magic beginning lineup with loads of measurement. The Cavs, lastly, have a wholesome beginning lineup, even when they’re with out Dean Wade, a key contributor off the bench. If the Cavs can keep away from foul bother and shoot properly from 3-point vary, which was a difficulty final yr, they’ve a very good likelihood of beginning this sequence out in entrance. Cavaliers 108, Magic 104
ULRICH: Nothing about this first-round sequence ought to shock the Cavs out of the gate after they skilled the elevated physicality and depth of the playoffs a yr in the past. Cavaliers 110, Magic 105
LEWIS: The Cavaliers have not received a playoff sequence with out LeBron James on the roster in 30 years, however I believe that is the yr that run ends. The Cavs have not been enjoying their finest coming into this sequence, however they lastly have a wholesome beginning lineup, and the slate will get cleaned Saturday afternoon. Whereas playoff expertise is not a requisite for fulfillment, it may be an element, and the Cavs bumped into that wall final yr towards the Knicks. The Magic are in that place this time round towards a Cavs workforce that should not be stunned by the playoff ambiance or physicality once more. Cavaliers win sequence 4-2
ULRICH: The Cavs made modifications within the offseason to develop into a workforce higher outfitted for the playoffs. They’ve shooters who will help house the ground. They’ve some robust veterans. Combine these elements with a younger core seasoned a bit by final yr’s first-round embarrassment towards the New York Knicks, and there aren’t any excuses for the Cavs to do something however maintain enterprise towards the much less skilled Magic. Cavaliers win sequence 4-2

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