NBA Playoffs 2016: Updated Standings, Conference Finals Schedule and More

When it comes to the NBA playoffs, there is nothing wrong with things going as expected.

Look at the Western Conference Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors find themselves gridlocked, once again flaunting the strength of the conference compared to the iffy Eastern Conference.

Speaking of the other conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like the dominant team against the Toronto Raptors. It’s expected but also important; the conference needs such a perceived juggernaut to look competitive against the better conference. It’s sort of akin to Manny Pacquiao needing to get a few wins to rebuild himself after a knockout loss before earning a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

It’s early, though, meaning things could go off the rails in a hurry. Before they potentially do, here’s an all-encompassing look at the conference finals.

2016 NBA Conference Finals Schedule and Results

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE 1-0)

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The fact the Cavaliers blew the Raptors out of the water in Game 1 shouldn’t discourage folks from tuning in to see the action.

What’s interesting is whether the lopsided 115-84 outcome speaks to the dominance of the Cavaliers or the relative weak state of the conference.

It’s worth trying to figure out by watching. One thing nobody can debate? Toronto misses center Jonas Valanciunas in a big way, as Cleveland won the battle on the glass 45-23, helping LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to post 24 and 27 points, respectively. It’s hard for a team like the Raptors to overcome shooting 42 percent from the floor and 21 percent from deep on the road when losing the rebounding battle in such a manner.

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