Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard James Harden (1). David Dermer-Imagn Images The Cavaliers and Raptors are set to face off in an intriguing No. 4 vs. No. 5 opening-round playoff series in the East.
The Donovan Mitchell and James Harden backcourt will make their highly anticipated postseason debut, as the Cavs aim to contain Toronto’s versatile forward duo of Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes.
Though the Raptors swept the regular season series over the Cavaliers, oddsmakers are all in on the Wine and Gold.
Cleveland is a substantial betting favorite, listed at nearly eight points for Game 1 and a commanding -550 to win the series, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Toronto’s path to the fifth seed was unexpected.
They were locked into the sixth seed and on track to play the Knicks in the first round until the Magic’s season-ending collapse against the Celtics elevated them up in the standings.
Unfortunately for the Raptors, they have become the team everyone in the conference’s top tier wants to face, which is never a positive sign.
The numbers don’t lie, as they finished the season with a combined 1-11 record against the Pistons, Celtics, and Knicks.
Nevertheless, they found early success against Cleveland, securing three wins by an average margin of 11.7 points.
It is worth noting that these victories occurred back in October and November.
Raptors forward/guard Scottie Barnes (4) and teammate Brandon Ingram (3). Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Cavs have since retooled their roster, shipping Darius Garland away for Harden, and the result was a 21-9 record with Harden in the lineup.
The key to this series hinges on Cleveland’s ability to defend against the Raptors’ strength in generating transition opportunities and driving to the basket.
Toronto led the NBA in fast-break points (18.2 per game) and ranked fourth in paint points (53.2).
To counter, the frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchors a defense that ranks in the top five in limiting opponents’ points in the paint, restricting teams to just 45.6 near the basket.
Allen’s performance of late, though, has been impacted by ongoing knee tendinitis, and he is clearly not at full strength.
Another serious concern for the Cavs is their poor perimeter defense, especially against 3-point shooting.
Barnes’ two-way play is expected to neutralize the offensive threat of either Harden or Mitchell, depending on his defensive assignment.
Since the Raptors have the potential to make this a competitive series, I’m comfortable in backing that the total number of games will exceed 5.5.
The play: Series total games Over 5.5 (-105, bet365)
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
