If not exactly dominant, the Cleveland Cavaliers have definitely been in charge through two games of their first-round playoff series with the Orlando Magic. They’ve answered some questions about their own toughness and lead 2-0 after winning 97-83 in Game 1 and 96-86 in Game 2.
Now, the best-of-seven series shifts to Orlando. The defense the Cavs have played at home needs to travel if they are to take firm control of this series.
Here’s how our two writers who’ve followed the Cavs all season, Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich, view Game 3.
Cavs vs. Magic prediction: Who wins Game 3 Thursday night?
LEWIS: The Magic were a much, much different team at home this season. Their offense was more potent. Their defense was stingier. Including the playoffs, the Magic are now 29-12 in Orlando and 18-25 everywhere else. They also now can take a breather a bit after their first playoff experience as a group. Yes, the Cavs have led wire to wire in Games 1 and 2, but the Magic have yet to find their groove. In a slugfest of a game, that changes. Magic 98, Cavs 95.
ULRICH: As much as the Cavs have dominated the series, a sweep is still hard to envision. If the Magic are going to show some life, it’ll likely be when they’re able to feed off the energy of their fans in the Kia Center for the first time in these playoffs. Magic 90, Cavaliers 87
