The Toronto Raptors (1-4) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) meet Friday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, in an NBA Cup game. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Raptors vs. Cavaliers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Cavaliers won 4-0
The Raptors suffered a 139-121 loss at home against the Houston Rockets Wednesday as a 5.5-point underdog as the Over (233.5) cashed. F Brandon Ingram hit 11-of-16 from the field, finishing with 29 points and 5 triples, while F Scottie Barnes ended up with 31 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals with a block.
Toronto has dropped 4 in a row, while also going 0-4 against the spread (ATS). The Over is 4-1 in 5 games this season, with Toronto allowing at least 121 points in each of the past 4 losses.
The Cavaliers were tripped up 125-105 Wednesday at the Boston Celtics as a 3.5-point road favorite as the Under (233.5) cashed. The 5 starters had at least 15 points, with F Evan Mobley posting 19 points 11 rebounds and 2 blocks to lead the way. While Cleveland has a winning record at 3-2 SU, it is just 1-4 ATS, while cashing the Under in each of the past 3 contests.
Raptors at Cavaliers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:44 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Raptors +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Cavaliers -300 (bet $300 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +7.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -7.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 238.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Raptors at Cavaliers injuries
Raptors
C Jakob Poeltl (back) out
Cavaliers
C Jarrett Allen (hand) questionableG Darius Garland (toe) outF-G Sam Merrill (hip) outG Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) questionableG-F Max Strus (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Raptors at Cavaliers picks and predictionsPrediction
Cavaliers 120, Raptors 116
The Cavaliers (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. Over the long haul, betting such huge favorites is not a recommended strategy.
AVOID, and look to the spread instead.
The RAPTORS +7.5 (-115) are a better play.
First off, the Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS this season, and it’s never good to see Mitchell on the injury report. If he is unable to play, that’s a major difference for a Cleveland team already down one All-Star with Garland still on the shelf. If Spida sits, and the big man Allen cannot go, that’s a problem.
The UNDER 238.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.
Again, the Cavaliers could be down 3 starters if Allen and Mitchell join Garland on the shelf. The Under has hit in the past 3 games for the Cavs. Be careful, though, as the Raps have hit the Over at a 4-1 pace so far this season.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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