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I thought we could have a separate thread for each game. The series preview I put together is in the series thread in the Cavs Talk forum (page 5) which I suggest we use for comments on the series in general and use the game threads for the individual games.
The series kicks off tonight in Cleveland at 6:00 p.m. The big question will be the availability of Julius Randle. The last word I saw is that he will "test" the ankle before the game. He is listed as "questionable", not even a "game time decision".
If Randle needs to test the ankle to see if he can go, that tells me he has not yet practiced. Apparently he's been shooting around but no contact in practice yet.
If he is able to play I have to question how effective he can be, not having run or played any basketball in a couple of weeks. He will be somewhat deconditioned and his shooting and timing may be off. That doesn't include any lack of speed, change-of-direction ability, explosiveness, or jumping ability due to playing on a not fully recovered ankle.
However, the Knicks can go with Obi Toppin in Randle's spot or go small ball with Hart. Their style of play will be more uptempo and Brunson will do more shooting, but the Knicks can still play effectively with those guys.
This should be a very close and competitive series no matter what Randle's status turns out to be. But the Cavs would do well to win these first two games in Cleveland in the event Randle Is close to 100% by the time games 5-7 roll around. The Cavs need to get some wins while the Knicks are at less than full strength, assuming that's how they start the series.
The series kicks off tonight in Cleveland at 6:00 p.m. The big question will be the availability of Julius Randle. The last word I saw is that he will "test" the ankle before the game. He is listed as "questionable", not even a "game time decision".
If Randle needs to test the ankle to see if he can go, that tells me he has not yet practiced. Apparently he's been shooting around but no contact in practice yet.
If he is able to play I have to question how effective he can be, not having run or played any basketball in a couple of weeks. He will be somewhat deconditioned and his shooting and timing may be off. That doesn't include any lack of speed, change-of-direction ability, explosiveness, or jumping ability due to playing on a not fully recovered ankle.
However, the Knicks can go with Obi Toppin in Randle's spot or go small ball with Hart. Their style of play will be more uptempo and Brunson will do more shooting, but the Knicks can still play effectively with those guys.
This should be a very close and competitive series no matter what Randle's status turns out to be. But the Cavs would do well to win these first two games in Cleveland in the event Randle Is close to 100% by the time games 5-7 roll around. The Cavs need to get some wins while the Knicks are at less than full strength, assuming that's how they start the series.
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