Two of the biggest surprises through three weeks of NBA play have both come from the Eastern Conference. The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers are off to great starts and will be looking to continue their upward trends when they match up with each other on Friday night in Canada.
The Cavs (5-4) have already beaten three of last season’s playoff teams en route to their above .500 record, mainly by utilizing a “tall-ball” starting lineup that features three 7-foot tall players. The Raptors (6-3) are winners of four straight and have quietly been one of the better teams out east to begin the season. Fred Van Vleet’s leadership, O.G. Anunoby’s ascension and Scottie Barnes’ production as a rookie have all been key in Toronto’s resurgence.