The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to take on the Orlando Magic in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and are expecting a physical matchup against one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Magic have defied expectations this season thanks to hard-nosed defense and gritty play, emphasized by All-Star Paolo Banchero and coach Jamahl Mosley.
Cleveland is top ten in defensive rating this season, but they are not known as a defensive powerhouse this season. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland have the potential to explode on offense, although the dynamic defense from Jalen Suggs will ensure a playoff series that goes the distance. Fans of 1990s basketball, rejoice!
In order to best prepare for the series, the Cavaliers are instituting new practice regimes to ensure that they are prepared for both the physicality of the playoffs and the physicality the Magic bring to the court.
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