It is game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals and the Toronto Raptors are in what I think is a crucial situation. I think they must win this game to have a chance to win the series. Here are my three predictions for game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Prediction #1
First, I think in order to win this game head coach Nick Nurse needs to change the starting lineup tonight. At point guard start Fred Van Vleet, at shooting guard Danny Green, at small forward Kawhi Leonard, at power forward Pascal Siakam, and at center Serge Ibaka. Yes, this changes the rotations, but I think Gasol and Lowry coming off the bench is in the best interest of the team for the Raptors. This is to counter the starting lineup of Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Giannis Anteokounmpo, Nikola Mirotic, and Brook Lopez. This is a game of match-ups. Those two veterans coming off the bench can help keep the flow of the game with young guys off the bench as well. Gasol has excellent vision and can shoot the jumper.
Prediction #2
Secondly, in order to win game three, Toronto needs to stick to who they are and play defense. They need to rotate on defense and communicate when switching. If they can communicate on defense this will lead to transition buckets on offense. If they can’t or don’t communicate they may get destroyed again. Then if the switching isn’t working because of mismatches then they should try a man defense. Next, if all else fails this may sound crazy but back off of Giannis and guard everyone else forcing him to shoot jumpers or three-pointers.
Prediction #3
Thirdly, to contrast to their defense they need to pass the ball until they find the open teammate. They must remember that the ball moves quicker than the players. While they pass the ball those without the ball need to move around setting screens or getting open by creating space from all the movement. By doing this it will tire out the Bucks and will help the Raptors to create mismatches and find the open teammate. Someone other than Leonard needs to step up for Toronto. For the Raptors to do this then Danny Green and Pascal Siakam will have big games.
Conclusion
Lastly, yes Toronto was humiliated or embarrassed in game two and in game one they showed us they can defeat Milwaukee despite losing. This is game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, which could be a turning point in the series. The Bucks dominated the Toronto Raptors in game two. Toronto should have won game one. They played well as a team. If they can repeat game one as well with changing the starting lineup they should win game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
