Cavaliers vs Raptors Betting Preview: These Isn’t “LeBronTo” Anymore

Raptors Own Cavaliers When Playing in Toronto

Raptors Favored to Beat Cavs in Toronto Again

Once upon a time, there was an NBA city called “LeBronTo”. It was a place where the great King James led the Cleveland Cavaliers as they slew the Toronto Raptors repeatedly. But that was a long time ago. Both these teams are different. And yet the Raptors are consistently beating Cleveland in Toronto. The Raptors have won seven of their last eight games hosting Cleveland hence why the NBA odds favor Toronto per this latest Cavaliers vs Raptors betting preview.

Game Information

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-7) vs Toronto Raptors (10-9)

Date, time (TV):
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto


Cleveland Relying on “Big Three”

By adding Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers went from a young and promising team to a legitimate contender in the East. Cleveland is 11-3 (10-2-1 against the spread (ATS)) versus the conference. These three losses were all road games and two came in Milwaukee. Mitchell, paired with Darius Garland has become one of the best All-Star tandems on the backcourt.

The duo carried Cleveland over Detroit in a game where they did not look their best. Cleveland needed a big fourth quarter to overcome the Pistons and the NBA odds as a 7.5-point favorite. The Cavaliers outscored Detroit 29-16 in the fourth with Mitchell scoring 14 of his game-high 32 points. Garland posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists along with super sophomore: Evan Mobley (20 points and 13 boards).

“We didn’t want to put everything on Donovan and Darius, which is why Evan was so important on both ends of the floor,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He saved us when everyone was struggling.”

Indeed, Mobley has been a catalyst for Cleveland. His stats may not always support it, but Mobley allows Cleveland to function to its fullest on both ends of the floor. This is even more significant with his running mate, Jarrett Allen (back) out of action. He’s listed as questionable against Toronto along with swingman Caris LeVert (ankle).

Cleveland is just 10-19 without Allen going back to last season. His presence alleviates pressure from Mobley who must now work doubly to lock down the Cavaliers’ side. This NBA team will have to depend even more heavily on Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley and that’s why they’re underdogs in this Cavaliers vs Raptors betting preview.

The Raptor to Fear

The Raptors are once again being whittled down by injuries. Star forward Pascal Siakam (groin), key role player Otto Porter Jr. (foot), and Scottie Barnes (ankle) are all missing games. The reigning Rookie of the Year, Barnes, could play but it’s unlikely Toronto risks his long-term health.

But in their absences, a forgotten Raptor is stepping up: OG Anunoby. Once the prized prospect of the city, Anunoby fell by the wayside thanks to the tremendous efforts from Siakam and Barnes last season. Anunoby’s name was even mentioned all too often in trade rumors.

Now, the 25-year-old has come through for Toronto. Against the Mavericks, Anunoby put on one of his best performances as he held the NBA’s leading scorer, Luka Doncic, to “only” 24 points (his average was 34). On his end, Anunoby torched Dallas for 26 points, nine boards, and four combined steals and blocks.

“I think he’s gonna sleep well tonight,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said of Anunoby who remarked “It’s definitely tough, having to pick up full court and then on offense trying to make some stuff happen, try to make some spots, try to have the legs to do all that. It’s just mental toughness, just trying to be tough.”

Toronto’s 10 wins, Anunoby is shooting at 51 percent with a 120 offensive rating. In their nine losses, this is down to 42.2 percent and 95

If Anunoby can continue to play this efficiently on both sides, Toronto should be rightfully favored in this Cavaliers vs Raptors betting preview.Toronto is 8-2 when Anunoby shoots higher than his average field goal rate (46.6 percent). In fact, in Toronto’s 10 wins, Anunobdy is shooting at 51 percent with a 120 offensive rating. In their nine losses, this is down to 42.2 percent and 95.

The Raptors have a tough NBA schedule this week. After hosting Cleveland, Toronto visits the Pelicans and the Nets. For their odds to improve, Anunoby will need to continue being a two-way force.
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