Two of the top Eastern Conference teams mix it up on Thursday north of the border. The Toronto Raptors are at home and take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors come into the game as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is 28-11 overall, and trail the Boston Celtics by 3 games. The Raptors have been fantastic at home though, with 14 wins in 16 games. Toronto is 17-5 against the Eastern Conference, but they are coming off a loss. Overall, the Raptors have won 7 out of 10 games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are also coming off a loss. In fact, the Cavaliers have dropped 6 out of their last 10 games. Overall, the Cavaliers are 26-14 on the season, and the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has struggled on the road, as they have won just 11 out of 21 games. The Toronto Raptors are -3.5 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Toronto Rolling at Home
The Toronto Raptors had won five straight games, and scored 111 points or more in each of those games. Then, the Miami Heat came to town, and they were downed 90-899. Toronto is without their top point guard Kyle Lowry. He will miss most of the rest of January. The Raptors are 3rd in the league with 111.5 points per game, and they are allowing just over 103 points per game as well.
DeMar DeRozan has been fantastic for the Raptors, as he leads the team with 25.3 points per game. Serge Ibaka, who was ejected for his role in a fight against the Heat is third on the team with 13.8 points per game. The Raptors are seeking their third straight season of 50+ wins in the regular season, and their fifth straight trip to the postseason.
Cavaliers Struggles Continue
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the back to back to back Eastern Conference Champions. WIth three trips to the NBA Finals, Cleveland won the 2016 title. The Cavaliers this season have been up and down, and could be in jeopardy to reach 50 wins. The Cavaliers will need to finish 34-18 to reach 50 wins this season. Cleveland in their last five losses have been all on the road. In fact, the Cavaliers are playing their 7th road game in 8 games.
LeBron James is still putting together amazing numbers. The King is scoring 27.2 points per game, dishing out 9 assists per game, and ripping down more than 8 rebounds per game. Kevin Love is second on the team with 19 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Isaiah Thomas is back for the Cavaliers. He has played three games and is scoring 15 points per game.
Toronto Wins at Home
The Cleveland Cavaliers know this is a possible second round playoff matchup. While they would love to have the home court advantage, they are more concerned with getting right, and finding their health. The Cavaliers right now are not playing very good basketball. That’s going to hurt them north of the border, despite the Raptors not having their top weapon.
The Toronto Raptors are going to win this game at home. DeRozan has a big game for the Raptors, and Toronto just outplays the Cavaliers. When you are betting on this National Basketball Association game, take the Toronto Raptors -3.5 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bet on the Toronto Raptors -3.5 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
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