No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 3 76ers – Boston leads 2-0
After overcoming a 22-point deficit in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Sixers, Boston looks to continue its series dominance in Game 3.
The series now shifts to the Wells Fargo Center, where the 76ers are 32-12 this year (postseason included). Philadelphia is in need of a win, as it looks to avoid falling into the historically insurmountable series deficit of 0-3.
Sixers rookie Ben Simmons is coming off of one of the worst performances of his young career. He dished out seven assists, but was 0-of-4 from the field, scored one point and committed five turnovers. Despite having a rough night, Simmons' confidence is still high ; the Sixers will need him to return to form to have a chance to win Game 3.
Boston's two wins have been complete team efforts. In Game 1 , it was Terry Rozier (29), Jayson Tatum (28) and Al Horford (26) combining for 83 points to lead the Celtics to a 16-point win. In Game 2 , Rozier (20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, 0 turnovers), Horford (13 points, 12 rebounds) and Tatum (21 points) impressed once again while Marcus Smart (19 points) and Jaylen Brown (13 points) made major contributions. Brown's performance was even more impressive considering the hamstring injury he is playing through.
Horford has been the key for Boston throughout the postseason and it will be able to take 3-0 lead if he continues to lead by example with his composure and play.
No. 1 Raptors vs. No. 4 Cavs – Cleveland leads 2-0
After an 18-point home loss to the Cavs in Game 2 , Toronto finds itself in desperate need of a win.
The Raptors' Game 2 loss was their eighth consecutive postseason loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. They now travel to Cleveland, where they have struggled since LeBron James' return to the Cavs. In 12 regular season and playoff games at Quicken Loans Arena since Nov. 22, 2014, the Raptors are 2-10. In order to have a chance in this series, Toronto must overcome its road woes in Cleveland.
DeMar DeRozan (24 points) and Kyle Lowry (21 points) led the Raptors offense in Game 2, but struggled in the second half as Toronto was outscored 67-47 by the Cavs. Postgame, the All-Star duo was clear on what the Raptors will need to do in order to get back on track in the series. DeRozan and Lowry must deliver strong performances in both halves to get their team over the hump in Game 3.
Cleveland's All-Star duo of James (43) and Kevin Love (31) combined to score 74 of the Cavs' 128 points in Game 2. The re-emergence of Love spells trouble for the Raptors, as Cleveland becomes extremely dangerous when he and LeBron both put up big numbers. The Cavs also enjoyed scoring from JR Smith (15), Jeff Green (14) and George Hill (13) in the convincing win.
As LeBron has averaged 34.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and nine assists this postseason, solid performances from Love, Smith, Green, Hill and Kyle Korver will be the key for the Cavs to take a 3-0 lead.
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