Three of the four semifinalists in the Eastern Conference are set, the Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to join that group as they head into Orlando with a 3-2 lead over the Magic. After 4 double-digit wins to start the series, we finally got a close game in Game 5 and the Cavaliers experience proved to be the difference. They adjusted extremely well after finding out Jarrett Allen will not be able to play. In his absence Evan Mobley stepped up with 14 points and 13 rebounds, filling the gap down low left behind. Allen’s status is once again questionable here, but with Mobley playing like that the Cavaliers have nothing to worry about. Darius Garland also got it going with 23 points, his contribution could be the key difference here as Donovan Mitchell can’t do it all by himself.
Speaking of doing it all by yourself, Paolo Banchero tried that strategy in Game 4 by scoring 39 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but sadly for him the Magic fell a point short. Going back home they have their backs against the wall and I’m curious to see how this team responds in their first playoff experience as a group in this situation. The previous two home games saw them put up points in bunches, so I think it’s pretty safe to assume the three-point shot will be much better than the 9-for-31 effort in Wednesday’s game. Orlando also has history on his side here, they’ve won 10 of the last 13 meetings with the Cavaliers at Kia Center, plus right now they have a 6-game home win streak active as well. Gary Harris left the previous game with a hamstring injury, his status is up in the air for Game 6.
