Ult Cavs: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS. TORONTO RAPTORS PREVIEW: Why everything in this matchup favors Cleveland

The Toronto Raptors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the regular season, but none of that matters now. The Cavs are heavy favorites and rightfully so. James Harden is known as one of the greatest players of this generation, and also for his lack of a ring. He can’t resolve that blemish in the first round, but this is where such a quest must begin — with a new team, once again. Give him this: Harden smoothed his midseason transition with the Cavs by wisely being a facilitator first and foremost. This allowed him to defer to Donovan Mitchell and also put his new teammates in position to score, namely big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Meanwhile, the Raptors are young and quick and bring a group that’s fully familiar with each other and seemingly in sync. Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett will need to collectively produce for the Raptors to have a chance. This is the first playoff trip for this bunch and there are other players in the rotation who have underachieve...