Live Thread: Cavs vs. Raptors (He’s BAAAAAACK.)

The never ending story known as the NBA preseason rolls on today for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they head to Toronto to face the Raptors in what is a matchup between two likely playoff teams. While it has been firmly established given the heavy minutes played by training camp invitees that preseason games mean almost nothing, today’s game is a bit different for Cavalier fans. Today we get to see the return of a power forward whose health and production is as important as anyone’s if the Cavaliers are going to seriously contend for the NBA championship. Of course I am speaking of the return of Jack Cooley.

But seriously, you guys, KEVIN LOVE IS BACK!!! Sure it’s just the preseason, and sure half of the Cavaliers’ rotation will be sitting this one out, but for the first time since Kelly Olynyk yanked his shoulder out of its socket during Game Four of the first round of the playoffs, Kevin Love will be on the floor. With all of the injuries and contractual issues the Cavaliers have dealt with this offseason, it’s nice to finally have some tangible good news in this area, especially with the regular season starting next week.

Going into the season, the Raptors should be an interesting team to watch. A playoff team the last two seasons, Toronto has yet to make it out of the first round, and now they’ve overhauled their roster in an effort to have a stronger defensive identity. Gone are Amir Johnson, Greivis Vasquez, Lou Williams, Chuck Hayes, and Tyler Hansbrough, and in their place are DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, Luis Scola, Bismack Biyombo, and—drumroll please—Anthony Bennett. It remains to be seen if these moves allow Toronto to take a step forward or if they’re just a game of musical chairs, but these additions, along with what appears to be a new and improved Kyle Lowry, have given Raptors fans some reason for optimism that their team can take a step forward.

Tonight’s game starts at 6:00 EST, and will be aired on both Fox Sports Ohio and NBA TV. You can also hear it on WTAM 1100. Stop by and share your thoughts as we watch K-Love in his return to action.

GO CAVS!