The Toronto Raptors (22-11) will be at home in Scotiabank Arena when they meet the Cleveland Cavaliers (10-22). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, and will air on The Sports Network.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
The Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 94-88, despite being 6.5-point underdogs. The Raptors, on the other hand, were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 98-97, and failed to cover as 5-point underdogs. The Cleveland game finished 35 points under the projected point total of 217, while the Toronto game went 14 points under the projected point total of 209.
Cleveland dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.338 (above their season average of 0.174) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.0 (above their season average of 23.5). For those same stats, Minnesota had marks of 0.151 and 21.7, respectively. Toronto, meanwhile, forced Oklahoma City into a turnover percentage of 16.2 (above their season average of 12.6). Toronto rallied around Serge Ibaka, who had 12 points and 14 rebounds. Tristan Thompson, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Cleveland with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Norman Powell led the Raptors to a 133-113 win. He put up 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. The two teams combined to score 246 points, which was well over the projected point total of 216, and Toronto covered as a 12-point favorite. The Raptors’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Cavaliers. Toronto had a rate of 6.8, while Cleveland posted a mark of 9.3.
A little over half of the Cavaliers’ games have finished under the projected point total. Cleveland holds records of 10-22 straight up (SU) and 14-16-2 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Cleveland, a little over half of Raptors games have finished over the total. Moreover, Toronto is 22-11 SU and 18-15 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Toronto should have a substantial edge. The Raptors defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.493), while the Cleveland offense is ranked 23rd in effective field goal percentage (0.507). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Cavaliers, which ranks 29th in ball security (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Raptors, which forces the third-most turnovers in the league (15.0 percent).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors rank 10th in assists per game (25.0) while the Cavaliers rank 27th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
- Toronto ranks second in points off turnovers per game (19.4) while Cleveland ranks last (13.8).
- The Raptors rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.7) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (52.6).
- Cleveland ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (43.4) while Toronto ranks 28th (47.5).
- Cleveland ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (33.2) while Toronto ranks last (38.5).
- The Raptors rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (8.9).
- The Raptors rank ninth in blocks per game (5.3) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (3.4).
- Cleveland ranks 12th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8) while Toronto ranks 26th (14.3).
- Toronto averages 18.5 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the league. Cleveland ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (15.9).
- Cleveland is 4-3 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Toronto is 10-2.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Cavaliers are 9-13 and the Raptors are 20-8.
- Cleveland is 7-8-1 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 10-8 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 12 of the Raptors’ 18 home games, while 9 of the Cavaliers’ 16 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Raptors are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Cleveland has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Toronto has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Cavaliers have outscored opponents by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has been defeated by an average of 8.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 107.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
