On Friday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers (5-4) will visit the Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors (6-3). Tip-off is expected for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers at Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers, who have a potential Rookie of the Year candidate in F Evan Mobley, will face another rookie phenom in Toronto’s F Scottie Barnes. However, they’ll have to do it without several key players. Losing F Isaac Okoro for a game against two premier forwards is not a good sign either.
However, at 5-4, the Cavaliers are exceeding expectations. Beating Toronto at home is no easy task. After starting the season 1-3, the Raptors are hot, riding a five-game win streak.
Toronto F OG Anunoby has been the crux of their success as he’s evolving into one of the premier forwards in the NBA. That said, the Raptors will enter as near 6-point favorites.
Cavaliers at Raptors odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Raptors -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +5.5 (-112) | Raptors -5.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 206.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Cavaliers at Raptors key injuries
Cavaliers
- PF Kevin Love (health and safety protocols) out
- PF Lauri Markkanen (health and safety protocols) out
- SF Isaac Okoro (hamstring) out
Raptors
- PF Pascal Siakam (shoulder) out
Cavaliers at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 108, Raptors 106
Money line
“LEAN” to the CAVALIERS (+175) as some value is there.
I would prefer to take the points, but I like Mobley’s size and, with C Jarrett Allen having dominated the paint so far this season, I think Cleveland will be able to tame a lethal forward duo.
Cavs G Collin Sexton against Raptors G Fred VanVleet may determine this game, and although the experience is with the latter, Sexton is nearing 18 points per game and shooting 48 percent from the field. His efficiency is hitting career-high levels.
Also, believe it or not, but the Raptors are 2-3 at home and 4-0 on the road. Could a regression to the mean be due? This team is solid, but winning five in a row is no easy task.
I think Cleveland steals this one on the road.
Against the spread
BET on the CAVALIERS +5.5 (-112) as the best bet in this game. Although the Raptors have won five straight, their last four have been by single digits with two coming under six points.
While the Cavs seem injured, their top four scorers will all be playing, and they’ve all averaged over 45 percent shooting.
Considering Cleveland has the size advantage, slowing down Barnes and Anunoby could be easier than it is for most teams. The Cavs have the 12th-best defensive rating.
Toronto has the best offensive rebounding rate in the NBA.
Cleveland is top ten in offensive rebounding rate as well, this game could be dictated on the glass, and I’d favor the team that lines their starting lineup with two players that have a 7-foot-4 wingspan or greater.
The Cavs are 6-3 ATS while Toronto is 5-4 ATS.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 206.5 (-110) as both teams, as noted, are solid on the glass.
There should be plenty of easier looks at the rim in this one. Somehow the Cavs are a bottom third team in defensive rebounding rate yet play two massive players in their frontcourt. Toronto should expose them on the glass.
Both teams have over a 105 offensive rating. With this being a relatively lower total and the Raptors have hit 109 or more in four of their last five games, I’m going with the Over.
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