For the second time this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors will cross paths in Toronto. The tip-off for this meeting is set for 7:30 p.m.
After opening their season with a three-point defeat on the road at Toronto, the Cavaliers embarked on an eight-game winning streak.
That roll included a pair of overtime triumphs over the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics.
Teams Performance Recap
Cavaliers Performance Recap
Cleveland came back to Earth after that 8-1 start, dropping five in a row. Since then, though, the Cavs have come out on top in five of their last six on the NBA schedule.
That stretch includes a 102-94 win over the struggling Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Donovan Mitchell poured in 32 points in that one, and Evan Mobley helped out with another 20.
Cleveland (13-7) was down for most of the contest but got past the Pistons — who were without four starters — in the final frame.
Detroit led by five at the intermission but missed a total of a dozen free throws. The Cavs had trouble from beyond the arc, going 3-for-21 over the initial three quarters.
Raptors Performance Recap
The Raptors (10-9) stopped a two-game skid by getting past Dallas, 105-100, at home on Saturday. O.G. Anunoby netted almost half of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, while Fred VanVleet finished with the same total.
Chris Boucher did his part, too, adding 22 points and outrebounding the entire Mavericks team in the first quarter.
Toronto is now 7-2 at home this season. VanVleet had missed the Raptors’ prior game with a non-COVID illness, but the team was still missing some key pieces.
Let’s take a quick look at the lines and then some NBA team stats before we make our Cavaliers vs Raptors picks.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds
These Cavaliers vs Raptors picks will be pretty interesting, considering the NBA odds for this one are tight.
Although they’ve done well on the NBA schedule as of late, Cleveland is +1 on the basket line at -110, while Toronto is the same to cover the spread.
On the moneyline, the Raptors are -116, and the Cavs are -102. The total had not yet been set at the time of this writing, but if that’s something you might be interested in wagering on, we recommend you look at your sportsbook of choice a little closer to game time.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
NBA matchups can be hard to predict. Knowing each side’s injuries make it a lot simpler.
It’s a smart idea to check who won’t be on the floor before making any Cavaliers vs Raptors picks.
For Cleveland, center Jarrett Allen is day-to-day with an unspecified ailment, while shooting guard Caris LeVert didn’t play against the Pistons because of an ankle issue.
Power forward Kevin Love missed Sunday’s matchup, too, with a thumb injury.
Raptors Injury Report
The Raptors have a number of contributors nursing injuries, including forwards:
- Scottie Barnes (knee)
- Justin Champagnie (back)
- Pascal Siakam (adductor)
- Otto Porter Jr. (toe)
- Precious Achiuwa (ankle)
- guard Dalano Blanton (ankle)
All but Porter Jr. and Achiuwa are questionable for this clash. The Cleveland Cavaliers player stats have the crew being led on the offensive side by Mitchell’s 30.1 points per game, which rank sixth in the league.
Game’s Ten Best Rebounders
Allen currently grades out as one of the game’s ten best rebounders, averaging 10.8 each contest. Guard Darius Garland’s 7.9 assists a game are fifth in the NBA.
VanVleet has pinned up 19.1 points in his 13 games so far this campaign, while Anunoby averages 18.9. Boucher has grabbed 6.9 boards per game, and Barnes is good for 5.2 assists.
Having seen the major injuries and relevant NBA player stats heading into this one, let’s finally make our NBA picks.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
This Toronto Raptors prediction will hinge on how many — if any — of their banged-up talents will play. That injury report, combined with Cleveland’s run of success, makes it a wonder how the odds for this one are so close.
The Cavs will win this one outright, so be sure to take them on the moneyline with your bets today.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers (+115)
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