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Game Preview: Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Friday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to kick off NBA Cup group play. Both teams enter the matchup looking to reset after rough road losses and inconsistent starts to the season.
Toronto (1-4) has dropped four straight since winning its opener in Atlanta, while Cleveland (3-2) returns home after a deflating 125-105 loss in Boston. Both squads are part of East Group A, along with the Pacers, Hawks, and Wizards.
The Cavaliers were badly outrebounded against the Celtics, giving up 53 boards while struggling to match Boston’s energy. The Raptors fared even worse, surrendering 53 rebounds and allowing 139 points in a loss to Houston. Friday’s contest, then, becomes a test of grit and execution for two teams desperate to reestablish physicality.
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Line Movement and Odds
Cleveland opened as a 7.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 236.5. Early sharp money has slightly favored Toronto to cover, reflecting market confidence in the Raptors’ ability to keep games close even amid defensive lapses.
Check Cup group trends and East futures in the NBA Eastern Conference odds predictions and Atlantic Division odds preview.
Toronto Raptors Outlook
The Raptors enter Cleveland amid a four-game skid but continue to find bright spots. Scottie Barnes dropped 31 points on 61% shooting in Wednesday’s loss to Houston, while Brandon Ingram added 29. Rookie center Collin Murray-Boyles, starting for the injured Jakob Poeltl (back), provided 13 points and physicality that Toronto sorely needs.
Toronto ranks ninth in scoring (121.4 ppg) and fourth in field goal percentage, showing efficiency despite defensive struggles. However, their rebounding has been a major issue, ranking 29th in total boards per game. If Barnes and Murray-Boyles can help neutralize Cleveland’s frontcourt, Toronto’s pace and shot-making could flip momentum.
The Raptors are also one of the league’s fastest teams, ranking fourth in possessions per game. Coach Darko Rajakovic will hope their tempo disrupts a slower Cavaliers team still adjusting to lineup changes.
Raptors Injury Report
- Jakob Poeltl (C) – Doubtful (Back)
- Gradey Dick (G) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Bruce Brown (G/F) – Probable (Knee)
Explore Toronto’s long-term outlook in the NBA Atlantic Division odds predictions.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outlook
The Cavaliers stumbled in Boston but return home with a chance to reset. Evan Mobley (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Jaylon Tyson (19 points) led the way, while Donovan Mitchell — battling a hamstring issue — managed just 15 points before halftime.
Cleveland’s offense remains potent from deep, ranking seventh in three-pointers made (15.4 per game) and shooting 46.1% overall. Their effective field goal percentage (55.3%) points to strong spacing, even without injured starters Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot).
At home, Cleveland plays with more balance — averaging 121 points per game — and benefits from one of the East’s better defensive ratings when engaged. The question is consistency. Kenny Atkinson’s team will look to reassert its identity on the boards after being bullied by Boston.
Cavaliers Injury Report
- Darius Garland (G) – Out (Toe)
- Max Strus (G/F) – Out (Foot)
- Jarrett Allen (C) – Questionable (Finger)
- Sam Merrill (G) – Out (Back)
For betting models and Cavs prop insights, see the NBA Central Division odds predictions.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Rebounding Battle: Both teams were dominated on the glass Wednesday. Whichever side controls second-chance points will likely dictate pace.
- Mobley vs Barnes: Two young stars capable of doing everything — scoring, rebounding, and defending — headline this matchup.
- Bench Depth: Cleveland’s short rotation faces a Toronto team searching for lineup stability. The Raptors’ reserves could decide the spread.
Betting Trends
- Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs Cleveland.
- Cavaliers are 6-3 ATS in their last nine home games.
- Over is 5-2 in Toronto’s last seven games.
- Under is 7-3 in Cleveland’s last ten when favored by 5+ points.
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Prediction
The Cavaliers’ injuries make them vulnerable, but Toronto’s defensive issues are glaring. Expect Cleveland’s frontcourt to control the boards and use home-court energy to grind out a win.
Projected Score: Cavaliers 118, Raptors 112
Best Bet: Raptors +7.5
Total Lean: Under 236.5
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