The Cleveland Cavaliers (12-6) hit the road to take on the Toronto Raptors (12-5) Monday. Tip-off from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, is set for 7 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Cavaliers vs. Raptors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Toronto leads 2-0
Cleveland destroyed the LA Clippers 120-105 Sunday while covering as a 7.5-point home favorite as the Under (229.5) hit. G Donovan Mitchell finished with 37 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists to overcome the 33 points from Clippers C Ivica Zubac. The Cavs had 17 made 3-pointers to LA’s 8.
Toronto beat the Brooklyn Nets 119-109 Sunday to pick up its 7th straight win, but the Raptors failed to cover as 11.5-point home favorites as the Under (229.5) cashed. The Raptors forced 19 turnovers that led to 26 easy points against Brooklyn. Eight Raptors finished in double figures, but none of them hit 20 points in what was a true team win.
The Raptors beat the Cavs by double digits in the previous 2 matchups this season. Most recently on Nov. 13, the Raptors had 3 players finish with 20+ points in a 126-113 win over the Cavs. Toronto held Cleveland to under 30% shooting from deep in both matchups as well.
Cavaliers at Raptors odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:07 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Raptors +105 (bet $100 to win $105)Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -1.5 (-110) | Raptors +1.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Cavaliers at Raptors key injuries
Cavaliers
(Not yet submitted — below was for Sunday’s game)
C Jarrett Allen (finger) outG/F Lonzo Ball (knee) outG Sam Merrill (hand) outF Max Strus (foot) out
Raptors
(Not yet submitted — below was for Sunday’s game)
F Colin Murray-Boyles (knee) questionableC Jakob Poeltl (back) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Raptors picks and predictionsPrediction
Cavaliers 117, Raptors 114
PASS.
When there is a favorite of 2 1/2 points or less, it’s generally better to back the favorite laying the points in such situations fora better value.
BET CAVALIERS -1.5 (-110).
Cleveland looks like a completely different team offensively when Garland plays, and he missed both earlier games against Toronto. Look for Cleveland’s offense to not only look more fluid, but also more consistent, no matter what lineup is on the court, as Garland playing means there will always be a trusted ball-handler out there for the Cavs.
I like for the Cavs to cover here as -1.5 favorites, but keep in mind the Raptors are the hotter team and have already comfortably bested the Cavs twice this season.
BET UNDER 237.5 (-110).
Both teams are top 12 in defensive rating because both squads force turnovers and limit your points in the paint. These are talented offenses, but with both defenses being so elite in so many different categories, look for that side of the ball to stick out more for both teams here.
The Under has hit in 5 straight games for the Cavs and is 3-1 in Toronto’s last 4 overall.
Be aware that the Over is 3-1 in the last 4 matchups between these squads.
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