Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Game 2 (Cavaliers lead series 1-0)
Game Time, TV: Friday, May 22nd – 8:30 PM ET on TNT
Projected Starting Lineups:
Cleveland Cavaliers: PG: Kyrie Irving, SG: Iman Shumpert, SF: LeBron James, PF: Tristan Thompson, C: Timofey Mozgov
Atlanta Hawks: PG: Jeff Teague, SG: Kyle Korver, SF: DeMarre Carroll, PF: Paul Millsap, C: Al Horford
The Cavaliers will look to take yet another game on the road when they play the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night.
In Game 1, it was all about J.R. Smith’s sharp-shooting from the outside as he poured in 28 points (8-12 from 3-point range) off the bench to help give the Cavaliers the lift they needed with a still ailing Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers will need Smith to do something he has not done often in his career, which is be consistent.
For the Hawks, this is a must-win game. It is still uncertain as to whether DeMarre Carroll will be back after a nasty leg injury in Game 1. He is listed as “questionable” for Game 2. The Hawks simply need to make shots, as they were unable to do this for much of the second half despite getting relatively good looks. If they get those same opportunities again and start making them, they’ll be in position to win this game.
I have to go with the Cavaliers in this game. Yes, Irving is hurt and that’s not good news, but Carroll is really the only player on the Hawks who can play pretty good defense against LeBron James. Now that he’s banged up, even if he plays he still will not be at his best, which is why I believe LeBron and the Cavs will steamroll their way to a commanding 2-0 lead.
Prediction: Cavaliers 103, Hawks 91
Dan Schultz is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
