Cavaliers vs Raptors Odds, Spread & Picks

• The Cavaliers visit the Raptors on Thursday in a huge matchup
• The #6 seed in the Eastern Conference is on the line
• Find the odds, preview, and prediction below

The Cleveland Cavaliers hit the road on Thursday night to face the Toronto Raptors, who are just a game behind them in seventh place. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST at Scotiabank Arena.

The Cavs are coming off an 11-point loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, but they did win two in a row prior. The Raptors, meanwhile, fell to the Chicago Bulls in a dreadful shooting night.

This game has the utmost importance for both teams. Of course, the top-six in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs, while Seeds 7-10 need to partake in the play-in. With just two games separating the Raps in seventh and the Bulls in fifth, it’s still a toss-up as to who will end up where.

Cavaliers vs Raptors Odds

Odds as of March 24th at Barstool Sportsbook

Toronto is a 3-point favorite here but they’ve lost three straight at home and have gone just 17-16 at Scotiabank Arena in 2021-22. The Cavs aren’t much better on the road, posting an 18-18 record. However, Cleveland is unbeaten in three meetings with their East rivals.

Cavs Trying to Secure Postseason Spot

Earlier in the campaign, the Cavaliers were up to second place in the conference but then injuries came along and spoiled the party. While this team is still dangerous, they’re dealing with a host of absences right now. Jarrett Allen is still sidelined with a finger injury, while Dean Wade and Rajon Rondo are on the shelf as well.

Jarrett Allen, Rajon Rondo, Collin Sexton and Dean Wade are all out for the #Cavs tomorrow on the road against the Toronto Raptors.

— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) March 23, 2022

That’s left the offensive burden mostly on the shoulders of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. While the young guard-big duo is doing a nice job, it wasn’t enough on Monday against the Lakers. Overall, the offensive actually put together an efficient performance. All starters finished in double-digits, led by Garland’s 29 points and 17 assists.

The biggest reason Cleveland lost was their inability to stop LA down low, getting outscored 64-52 in the paint. LeBron went off for 38 points, 12 dimes, and 10 assists too, absolutely cooking his former team. That being said, the Cavs will be looking to bounce back in a big way on Thursday and continue their dominance of Toronto.

Huge Homestand for Raps

Unlike most teams, the Raptors have actually played better on the road this season, but this upcoming homestand will prove to be crucial for their fate in the play-in and/or playoffs. After Cleveland comes to the city, they host the Pacers, Celtics, and Timberwolves. In fact, eight of their last 10 games are at home.

Record vs top 3 teams from each conference:

1. Raptors (10-5)
2. Celtics (9-5)
3. Timberwolves (9-7)
4. Bucks (6-5)
5. Nuggets (8-7)
—————
26. Kings (2-12)
27. Pistons (2-13)
28. Magic (1-15)
29. Rockets (1-16)
30. Bulls (0-16)

(Submitted by @stuarticulacion) pic.twitter.com/dphEJRzPKI

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 23, 2022

Monday’s loss in Chicago was certainly disappointing, with Toronto shooting an atrocious 19% from three-point range. Pascal Siakam dropped a team-high 22 points, while Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher both had 19 apiece. Their inability to drain shots was evidently the difference-maker, along with costly mistakes.

The Raps committed just 12 turnovers, but the Bulls fully capitalized, translating them into 29 points. The consistency has really lacked for Nick Nurse’s group as of late, beating the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday in a fantastic defensive performance then coming out flat in the tail-end of a back-to-back in the Windy City. As crunch time approaches with the regular season nearing its end, they must tighten it up on both sides of the ball.

Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction

This is a tough call. While the Cavs are having their way with Toronto in recent memory, Jarrett Allen played a massive part in their last matchup. There is a lot at stake for both teams, but I think the playoff-like atmosphere will help the Raps rally the troops and pull out a much-needed victory.

Pick: Raptors -3 (-110)