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Raptors go small by starting Miles in place of Valanciunas in Game 4

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Toronto Raptors continue to tinker in hopes of salvaging their season.

The team announced Monday it'll start sharpshooting wing C.J. Miles in place of center Jonas Valanciunas in Game 4 of the East semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, and Serge Ibaka round out Toronto's starting five.

It's the first playoff start for Miles, having come off the bench in the previous nine outings. He's averaging 9.2 points on 45 percent shooting from the field and 44.2 percent from deep in the postseason.

Miles has been a crucial member of Toronto's "Bench Mob," coming off the bench in all but three regular-season games. The Raptors are 3-0 in those outings, with one being a 34-point victory over Cleveland.

Toronto has found far less success against the Cavaliers in the playoffs. The team experimented by starting point guard Fred VanVleet over Ibaka in Game 3. Now trailing Cleveland 3-0 in the series, the Raptors hope their latest lineup change will help them stave off elimination.

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