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The Toronto Raptors will pay a visit to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Sunday night. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Raptors-Cavaliers prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Toronto is coming off back-to-back defeats to the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference. They lost 108-106 to the 14th seed Detroit Pistons on Thursday then followed it up with a 103-97 defeat to the last-place Orlando Magic. Pascal Siakam led Toronto's efforts as he led the Raptors in scoring in both outings with 28 points versus Detroit and 34 points and 14 rebounds against the Magic.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are also in their own slump, having lost three straight games this past week. Cleveland blew a 21-point quarter lead and fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 125-119. They lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-122 on Monday then got destroyed by the Charlotte Hornets 119-98. The Cavs have now lost six of their last seven and will look to get back to their winning ways in a home game against a similarly struggling Raptors team.
This will definitely be an intriguing matchup between two teams that play their own unique identities. The Raptors have an army of like-sized forwards with lengthy wingspans that could prove to be disruptive on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Cleveland boasts a massive frontcourt with numerous 7-footers.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Raptors-Cavaliers NBA odds for this Sunday night NBA matchup.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Cavaliers Odds
Toronto Raptors: +4 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers: -4 (-110)
Over: 211.5 (-110)
Under: 211.5 (-110)
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Why the Raptors could cover the spread
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Despite losing back-to-back home games to two of the worst teams in the NBA, Toronto has kept those games close. In both outings, the Raptors fell by double-digits and clawed their way back and gave them a chance to win down the stretch.
The Raptors have been without All-Star guard Fred VanVleet over the past four games and they've struggled offensively without their lead floor general. Toronto has listed VanVleet as questionable ahead of Sunday's game as he continues to deal with soreness in his right knee. Malachi Flynn, who has stepped up in VanVleet's absence with averages of 16.0 points and 5.5 assists over his last four, could also sit this one out due to a strained hamstring. OG Anunoby is also out as he recovers from a finger fracture.
With so many bodies down, Pascal Siakam has been playing like his 2019-20 All-NBA self for the Raptors over the last two games. The Cameroonian is averaging 31.0 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 65.7 percent from the field. Toronto will also need major contributions from rookie Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. if they want to snap this two-game slide.
It also helps the Raptors that Cleveland is also going through its own slump, having lost six of its last seven. Toronto has also surprisingly been better on the road (17-14) compared to at home (17-15). Their record against the spread is at 34-28 and their past three outings, which have been decided down the stretch, suggest they can keep this game close.
It will also be interesting how Toronto's group of 6-foot-7 wings deal with Cleveland's massive size up front. Their length should help compensate for their disadvantages vertically.
Why the Cavaliers could cover the spread
As mentioned, Cleveland is in the midst of its worst stretch this season. They looked to be regaining their form when they built a 21-point first-quarter lead against the Philadelphia 76ers. But it seems like the trio of Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey were just too much to handle for this young team.
Nonetheless, the Cavaliers have shown all season long that they are a resilient bunch. Darius Garland has been back the last couple of outings after dealing with back issues throughout February. The All-Star guard scored 33 points against the Hornets last Wednesday then dropped a 26-point, 19-assist masterpiece against Philadelphia. So while the Cavs have struggled as of late, it is definitely a good sign that Garland didn't seem to lose his rhythm from his time off the floor. With Toronto possibly missing VanVleet and Flynn, Garland could have a big night.
Caris LeVert (foot) and Rajon Rondo (toe sprain) are both listed as doubtful, so Garland will likely continue to go solo duties for Cleveland in the backcourt. Isaac Okoro should continue to play a huge role and step up as he did versus Philly.
As for their ATS record, Cleveland is 34-25 this season, which is slightly better than Toronto. They also have the advantage at home, where they have gone 19-11.
Final Raptors-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick
This is a tough one to predict given that both teams have both been struggling as of late. But it might be safer to go with Cleveland on this one. They seem to have regained their form on Friday but just ran into a spirited Sixers squad that was still on a high from its acquisition of James Harden. Toronto may also miss its main man Fred VanVleet and could also be without Malachi Flynn, which would absolutely thin out the Raptors' point guard rotation.
Final Raptors-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick: Cavaliers: -4 (-110)
