The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Toronto Raptors at the Rocket Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Cavaliers vs Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors have gone cold as they are now hoping to put a halt to a four-game slide after getting torched by the Rockets in a 139-121 loss on Wednesday. Scottie Barnes led the team with 31 points on 11 of 18 shooting, Brandon Ingram added 29 points on 11 of 16 shooting, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in with 15 points and seven assists.
As a team, the Raptors shot 50 percent from the field and a season-high 21 of 40 from the 3-point line, but the Raptors were always playing from behind after allowing the Rockets to pour in 39 points in the first quarter. Things only got worse in the third quarter where they allowed the Rockets to pull ahead by 20 points as they struggled in the paint without the injured Jakob Poeltl who was dealing with lower back soreness.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers were starting to heat up as they had reeled off three straight wins before they got stopped in their tracks by the Celtics in a 125-105 road defeat on Wednesday. Evan Mobley led the team with 19 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, Jaylon Tyson added 19 points on eight of 11 shooting, De’Andre Hunter scored 18 points while Donovan Mitchell chipped in with 15 points and six assists.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot just 40 percent from the field and 17 of 52 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 42 points in the first quarter, only to allow the Celtics to dominate the second quarter by 35-18. The Cavaliers just couldn’t maintain their hot start, and they had no answers for the Celtics’ Sam Hauser who turned the tide with his seven 3-pointers off the bench.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The Raptors have lost each of their last 12 games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have won each of their last 11 Friday home games.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games against Central Division opponents.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against the Raptors following a loss.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Raptors have won each of their last three games as road underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Cavaliers have lost three of their last four games as home favorites.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight Friday games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Raptors’ last nine games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last three games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Evan Mobley is one of only two qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks this season.
- Jaylon Tyson ranks T24th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.2) this season.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- Immanuel Quickley has recorded five games with 5+ assists this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Jamal Shead ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (11.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cavaliers rank T2nd in the league for Q3 win percentage this season (80.0%).
- The Cavaliers rank 29th for points in the paint per game (40.0) this season.
- The Raptors rank 30th in the league for rebounds per game this season (36.0).
- The Raptors rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (53.5%).
Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction
The Raptors are still shorthanded with Jakob Poeltl ruled out again, while the Cavaliers keeping eyes on Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, who are both questionable for this one. This is one of those games where you should check the lineups before tipoff given the injury cloud hanging over the Cavaliers. I get why the Cavaliers are still favorites at home, but they are much more vulnerable if Mitchell isn’t able to suit up. So, I will take the points with the Raptors in a game that is closer than it should be.