Rotation will be key as Cavs prepare to take on Raptors

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has had his dream rotation together for exactly zero minutes during the 82-game regular season. "I don't love that, but I'll take fully healthy for Game 1," he said. "That will override the lack of reps." Unfortunately, they might not be fully healthy, either, for Game 1 of the best-of-seven playoff series with the Toronto Raptors that starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rocket Arena. Backup center Thomas Bryant (right calf strain) might throw a monkey wrench into the works by being injured. However, he might not have played much, anyway, since Atkinson will tighten up his rotation for the postseason. Atkinson will likely stagger the minutes of center Jarrett Allen and power forward Evan Mobley so that one of them will be on the floor at all times. In some rare instances, he might play Dean Wade at center surrounded by four guards. Besides his starting five, which consists of the new core four and Wade, the only players guaranteed minutes off the bench are swingmen Sam Merrill and Max Strus. Two other top reserves, guard Keon Ellis and swingman Jaylon Tyson, will likely earn minutes because of their defensive prowess. Atkinson said he's "still evaluating" his rotation. Bench players who earn minutes will need to "rebound, defend and do the dirty work." Those players that possess those attributes "can help us in the playoffs." Tyson can also shoot from long distance and finished fourth in the NBA in 3-point percentage at .446. Veteran Dennis Schroder could also earn playing time since he's the backup point guard. However, Donovan Mitchell is capable of running the offense when starter James Harden is on the bench. Wade, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound versatile defender, is loved by the coaching staff and will almost assuredly be in the starting lineup at small forward. He's not a big scorer — 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds — but can guard almost anyone on the court. When playing a team like Toronto, Wade might start out on 6-8 Brandon Ingram, a 21.5-point scorer. Ingram scorched the Cavs in the third meeting on Nov. 24, when he erupted for a season-high 37 points. "He's a high-level scorer," Atkinson said. The Raptors, 3-0 vs. Cleveland during the regular season, push the ball on offense and use their speed to cause turnovers. "They deserve to be where they are," Atkinson said. "This is a big challenge for us." In the Eastern Conference semifinals last year, the Indiana Pacers ran Cleveland off the court. They not only pushed the ball on offense but pressed the Cavs on defense. With Darius Garland banged up, Cleveland couldn't contend with Indiana's athleticism and speed. The Raptors will try to do the same things. "A lot of teams play fast," Tyson said. "We went through a lot more conditioning over the summer to prepare us for this year." The Raptors won't be a pushover by any means. "They have good size," Cavs forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin said. "We have to go out there and play our game. We're ready for whatever." Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.