NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Cavaliers vs. Raptors matchup

4. Who guards LeBron?

There are four players who will be faced with the challenge of guarding Lebron James during this series: Norman Powell, DeMarre Carroll, DeMar DeRozan, and P.J. Tucker. There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice. Regardless, their goal should be to slow LeBron as much as possible. James has been excellent thus far during the playoffs, which really could be said for any series during his career. All four may be rotated onto him, with varying amounts of success.

Tucker would likely be the best defensive option against James. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward has developed a reputation for being one of the league’s most rugged perimeter defenders for good reason. In fact, he may have been acquired at the deadline with a potential upcoming playoff matchup against the Cavaliers in mind. He has been sub-par on offense during the playoffs, however. Much of the same could be said about DeMarre Carroll, who has started throughout the playoffs but been somewhat limited.

Norman Powell’s ability to provide more on offense than Tucker or Powell helped the Raptors win in the first round. He averaged 15 points during their final three victories and him starting was a major turning factor in the series. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Powell is regarded as a good perimeter defender, but could be bullied by the much larger LeBron. He may have to cede the matchup to the larger DeRozan when Dwyane Casey elects to play the two together. Ideally, DeRozan doesn’t have to guard LeBron too much so he can conserve his efforts for offense though. Finding the right person to guard the Cavs leader will be important for Toronto’s success.