Following a historic win in the in-season tournament clash against the Chicago Bulls, the Toronto Raptors are set to embark on a journey to Cleveland for a Sunday evening clash against the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers find themselves engaged in the rigours of a back-to-back scenario, having recently experienced a closely contested encounter with the Lakers in their first matchup last night. The aftermath of that clash has left them deadlocked with the Raptors in the standings, both having 8 victories and 8 losses apiece. Eager to ascend the rankings, the Cavaliers aim to leverage this showdown as a pivotal opportunity to elevate their position in the eastern standings.
Bet on Raptors vs. Cavaliers
TOR +1.5
CLE -1.5
Raptors vs. Cavaliers odds
| Raptors Moneyline Odds | +110 |
| Cavaliers Moneyline Odds | -130 |
| Over/Under | 219.0 points (over -110, under -110) |
| Spread | Cavaliers -1.5 (-110) |
| Time/Date | Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: Sportsnet 1 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?) |
All odds courtesy of 
About the Raptors (8-8 SU, 9-7 ATS, 9-7 o/u)
In a resounding 121-108 victory on their home court, the Raptors showcased a dominant performance against the Bulls. The Raptors wasted no time asserting their authority, establishing a commanding lead in the opening quarter and maintaining it throughout the entirety of the game.
O.G. Anunoby emerged as the offensive leader for the Raptors by leading the team in scoring with an impressive stat line of 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Anunoby’s efficiency was particularly noteworthy, as he connected on an impressive 71.4% of his attempts, finishing with a stellar 10-of-14 shooting performance. The Raptors’ offensive prowess extended beyond Anunoby, with five additional players notching double-digit points. Pascal Siakam, despite a modest start with 2 points at halftime, delivered a strong second-half performance, concluding the game with 18 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and a steal on a commendable 50% shooting from the field. Dennis Schroder contributed significantly to the offensive onslaught, chipping in with 17 points and distributing five assists. Gary Trent Jr. showcased his sharpshooting prowess by scoring 16 points, including four successful three-pointers.
The frontcourt tandem of Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes displayed their versatility, both securing double-doubles. Poeltl registered 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block, while Barnes notched 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks. The collective efforts of these standout performers underscored the Raptors’ depth and effectiveness on both ends of the court, culminating in a well-rounded victory over the Bulls.
Securing a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers will necessitate a keen focus on three key players: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. Each of these formidable athletes possesses the innate ability to effortlessly contribute points to the scoreboard, making them significant threats on the court. Mitchell’s scoring prowess, Garland’s playmaking finesse, and Mobley’s versatile skill set demand vigilant defensive attention from the Raptors. Adding to the challenge is the imposing presence of Jarrett Allen in the paint. His dominance and shot-blocking capabilities make him a force to be reckoned with, requiring strategic offensive planning and execution from the Raptors to navigate his formidable defence effectively. However, it’s not just the star quartet that demands consideration. The Raptors must also be wary of impactful contributions from role players like Caris LeVert, whose offensive versatility can tip the scales in favour of the Cavaliers. Additionally, the dynamic duo of Georges Niang and Max Strus adds depth to the Cavaliers’ roster, emphasizing the need for Toronto to maintain a comprehensive defensive strategy that accounts for both star power and the potential impact of key role players. Success against the Cavaliers hinges on the Raptors’ ability to effectively neutralize these threats while capitalizing on opportunities on the offensive end.
About the Cavaliers (8-8 SU, 6-10 ATS, 10-6 o/u)
In the first leg of a challenging back-to-back, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the L.A. Lakers, succumbing to a 121-115 defeat. The game marked the return of Donovan Mitchell from injury, who contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists. However, Mitchell faced shooting struggles, managing a poor 4-of-18 (22.2%) accuracy from the field. Darius Garland’s presence was unfortunately short-lived, playing only 13 minutes before exiting the game due to a neck strain, sidelining him for the remainder of the contest.
Jarrett Allen emerged as a standout performer for the Cavaliers, delivering an impressive performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks on an efficient 9-of-12 (75%) shooting display. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley showcased his diverse skill set, recording 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and a block on 8-of-12 (66.7%) shooting. Despite the loss, the individual performances of Allen and Mobley underscored the Cavaliers’ resilience and potential, setting the stage for a determined effort in the second leg of their back-to-back challenge.
In order to secure a victory against the Toronto Raptors, the Cleveland Cavaliers must prioritize defensive efforts against key contributors, namely Siakam, Scottie, and Schroder. Siakam’s scoring versatility, Barnes’ all-around game, and Schroder’s playmaking abilities pose significant challenges that demand focused attention from the Cavaliers’ defence. Additionally, vigilance against sharpshooters like O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. is crucial, as their ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots can significantly impact the Raptors’ offensive efficiency. A comprehensive defensive strategy that addresses both the interior and perimeter threats posed by these key players will be paramount for the Cavaliers to thwart the Raptors’ offensive prowess and secure a favourable outcome.
Toronto/Cleveland over 219.0 total points
-110
Injury Concerns
- Christian Koloko (illness) will not play Sunday against Cleveland.
- Darius Garland is considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raptors after being diagnosed with a neck strain.
Betting Trends
- The Raptors have covered the over in their last four games.
- The Cavaliers have cleared the over in their last four games.
- The Raptors and Cavs cleared the under in all four games against each other last season.
Player Prop Trends
- Scottie Barnes has stolen the ball once or more in the last 3 games, averaging 1.7 steals for the season and averaging 2.7 steals in the last two games. His line is at +135 to steal the ball over 1.5 times.
- Dennis Schroder has scored 17 or more points in the last 5 games, averaging 16.9 points for the season. His line is at -115 to score over 15.5 points.
- Evan Mobley has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in the last 4 out of 5 games, averaging 10.2 rebounds for the season.
Wagers to Consider
- SGP: TOR Raptors Moneyline; Schroder over 15.15 points; Anunoby over 13.5 points; Anunoby over 1.5 threes, at +280. The Cavaliers give up the most points in the league to point guards, the fifth-most points and the fourth-most threes to small forwards. Schroder and Anunoby are in a good spot to clear the over and there’s a chance the Cavaliers will be playing without their star point guard Garland which gives the Raptors an advantage to win.
- Total: Over 219.0 points: -110. Both the Raptors and Cavaliers have cleared this in the last 4 games and both teams have the scoring power to clear the over with ease
