Raptors Earn Udonis Haslem’s Backing Ahead of Game 7 vs. Cavaliers
raptors-win-prediction-haslem-cavs-game-7
The NBA on Prime panel was nearly unanimous in forecasting a Cleveland victory in Sunday’s decisive Game 7, but former Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem broke ranks and sided with Toronto.
During the studio show, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, Taylor Rooks and Steve Nash all selected the Cavaliers. Nash added he made that pick largely because the Raptors are “banged up.”
Haslem, however, said Toronto’s effort has outweighed Cleveland’s throughout the series. “I’m going with the team that has played harder, I’m going with the team that deserves to win this series,” he told the broadcast.
He then directed a pointed message at the Cavaliers: “The gift is nothing without the work, Cleveland Cavaliers. This team has outworked you. This should’ve been 4-1, 4-2. So now you’ve got a Game 7 with a team that has confidence.”
Cleveland entered the matchup favored on paper, especially with Raptors starters Brandon Ingram (out for Game 6) and Immanuel Quickley (out for the entire series) sidelined. Nevertheless, the series is tied 3-3.
Game 7 tips off Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena and will air on NBC/Peacock.
Source: Hoops Wire
