It doesn't matter that the Raptors entered the playoffs with the best record in the Eastern Conference and were the lone NBA team to rank in the top-five both offensively and defensively.

All that matters now is the Raptors are in do-or-die mode down 0-2 in this series and on the road.

But should it matter? I think it should count for something. True, the Raptors have yet to prove they can win in Cleveland. Toronto, though, has improved each season. The Raptors are to the point where they can legitimately win the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The talent and coaching are there. So I'm going to back them here. The Cavaliers are in danger of a letdown after winning the first two games of this series on the road, including stealing Game 1.

There shouldn't be any doubt about the Raptors' intensity for this matchup. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowery are star players. They're due to play more consistent. Certainly Serge Ibaka is due to play much, much better. He isn't the player he once was, but I don't believe he's washed up either.

Dwane Casey rates a major coaching edge on Tyronn Lue. I'm confident Casey will get the most from his team in this game and make proper adjustments. He has the talent and bench to do this.

People would be looking at this series different if the Raptors had at least split at home. They never trailed during regulation in the opening game of this series yet lost by one point in overtime. Then James had a monster performance in Game 2 with 43 points. Kevin Love played well, too. Toronto got mentally down. It's hard to believe even James can top his great Game 2 performance and Love can't be trusted to play well. The Raptors can't afford to get down here - and they know it.

Cleveland is not a dominant home team. The Cavaliers have failed to cover in their last six games at Quicken Loans Arena. They have either lost, or won by fewer than five points during these past six home games.