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Raptors game day: Cavs are hot at home; Biyombo's finger wag; could Valanciunas see the court?
2016 NBA Playoffs
Bismack Biyombo of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference final during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016.

Bismack Biyombo of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference final during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016.

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

After two wins in a row, the Raptors will be in tough when they visit Cleveland for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final. The Cavaliers have yet to lose at home in these playoffs

Jamie Ross

This article was published more than 7 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Wednesday marks a crucial contest for the Toronto Raptors. After knotting the Eastern Conference final with a pair of wins on home court against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto must now try to find success in enemy territory when they tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Raptors have lost their last four games in Cleveland dating back to December of last season. They were categorically dismantled in the first two games of the series there, going up against an opponent that went 33-8 at home in the regular season and a perfect 6-0 so far in the postseason.

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Valanciunas return?

Jonas Valanciunas, who's been dealing with an ankle injury since the second round, could return to the court tonight. Valanciunas was dressed and on the bench in Game 4, but he did not see any court time. According to TSN, JV says he's ready to go:

His absence has been offset by the phenomenal play of Bismack Biyombo, who's become a folk hero in Toronto because of his playoff performances.

Mutombo-Biyombo finger wag

You no doubt recognize Biyomobo's hand gesture, which he usually displays after denying an opposing attack toward the rim. Biyombo's finger wag is a recycled celebration from his elder big man and fellow countryman Dikembe Mutombo, who popularized the the move during his 18-year NBA career.

There was some confusion, even a faux controversy, this week about whether or not Biyombo sought permission from Mutombo to use it. But Mutombo ultimately said his "brother" can use the sign if he wants.

via GIPHY

Getting the calls

As Rachel Brady reported yesterday, Raptors fans have been up in arms this series about a perceived officiating bias against Toronto. It reached a head in Game 4, when the crowd rose to its feet to give the officials a standing ovation after they called the first personal foul against the Cavaliers midway through the second quarter.


What the fans are saying

Saint Alfred School getting creative:

Some are making the road trip


Others are baking:

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