Raptors will have every edge except one: James

The Raptors seem to have everything lined up in their favor heading into their postseason matchup against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

They’re rested and feel ready. They have homecourt advantage.

But they’ve been confident heading into a playoff showdown with James before and have come up short — twice.

“Got to go through the best to get to that trophy,” All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan said. “Every step of the way, we’re going to come across somebody.”

The Raptors open their second-round playoff series at home against James and the Cavs on Tuesday night. The Cavaliers have eliminated the Raptors in the last two postseasons.

This time, however, the Raptors are the top-seeded team in the East after a team-record 59-win season. The Raptors have been off since a Game 6 victory over the Wizards on Friday night finished their first-round series, while James and the Cavs were pushed to the limit in grinding out a Game 7 win over the Pacers on Sunday.

“They’re coming off series where they were banging and bumping for seven games,” Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said. “I think our energy has been great. I think the days off will definitely have helped us a little bit.”

James has shouldered a heavy load for the Cavs, scoring 40 or more three times in the first round. He played 43 minutes in Game 7 and was briefly forced off the court in the second half because of leg cramps.

Nevertheless, Raptors coach Dwane Casey expects James to be fully fresh once tip-off time arrives Tuesday.

“I don’t believe he’s tired,” Casey said. “He’s on a mission.”

Nonetheless, DeRozan said there’s “no question” the Raptors are better equipped to face James than in years past.

“I feel it,” DeRozan said. “We all have that confidence in ourselves.”

Curry near return: Warriors guard Stephen Curry is expected to return from a left knee injury to play in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday night against the Pelicans. AP