The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Saturday in NBA Game 1 at the Rocket Arena. Here’s a Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Cavaliers vs. Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors recently lost to the Knicks and beat the Nets. The Raptors are in the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. The Raptors have split their last 8 games.
The Toronto Raptors are averaging 116 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 113.2 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds, while RJ Barrett is averaging 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Scottie Barnes is the third double-digit scorer, and Immanuel Quickley is dishing 5.9 assists. The Toronto Raptors are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Toronto Raptors are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers recently beat the Wizards and lost to the Hawks. The Cavs are in the playoffs for a fourth straight season. The Cavs have won 5 of their last 6 games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 119.4 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 115.4 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 27.9 points and 5.7 assists, while James Harden is averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 assists. Evan Mobley is the third double-digit scorer, and Jarrett Allen is grabbing 8.5 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and 77.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 37.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 10 playoff games against the Raptors.
- The Raptors have lost each of their last eight road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Raptors’ last six games.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Raptors have won each of their last seven day games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have lost four of their last five playoff games as favorites.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in eight of their last nine road games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last eight Eastern Conference First Round games against Atlantic Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Raptors’ last six Eastern Conference First Round road games against Central Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- Scottie Barnes is the only player in the league to have recorded 25+ rebounds in a game this season.
- Sandro Mamukelashvili ranks 3rd amongst qualified Centers for 3P% (38.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q4 points per game this season (30.0).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for H2 points per game this season (61.2).
- The Raptors rank T1st in the league for Q3 win percentage this season (58.5%).
- The Raptors rank 1st for fast break points (1549) this season.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Injury Report
The Cavs don’t have any players listed on their injury report.
Chucky Hepburn and Immanuel Quickley are questionable for the Raptors.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction
The Cavaliers are the more talented team and should be favored at home but they’re also a team we’ve faded all season. The Cavs are 33-48-1 ATS on the year, which is the worst cover percentage in the NBA. The Raptors were also 3-0 SU against the Cavs this season.
The Raptors don’t have the scoring punch to consistently hang with the Cavs, but they’re a big and lengthy defensive side that can make life difficult for Cleveland. Since February 20, the Cavs are 4-9-1 ATS when favorites of five or more points. It’s just hard to leave this many points on the table due to the Cavs’ inability to cash tickets and the Raptors’ success this season in this matchup. Give me Toronto and the points.