A new era of Toronto Raptors basketball tips off tonight as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are set to suit up for their new team for the first time when the Raps host Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And there’s no better time to kick off a new era after the Raptors were the first team to lose to the Detroit Pistons in two months. That said, the NBA odds are confident in the new-look Raptors as they are slight home favorites against the 18-14 Cavaliers.
Will the new guys immediately fit in with Scottie Barnes & Co. and help Toronto secure a much-needed win? I break down this Eastern Conference matchup and bring you the best bet in my NBA picks and predictions for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.
Cavaliers vs Raptors odds
Cavaliers vs Raptors predictions
The Toronto Raptors need a distraction following their loss to the Detroit Pistons, which ended Detroit’s 28-game losing streak. Luckily, tonight they can say, “Hey, look at this shiny new thing over here.”
The shiny new things are, of course, Immanuel Quickley and Canada’s own RJ Barrett. Barrett and Quickley were part of the deal that shipped OG Anunoby off to the New York Knicks, and my immediate reaction was twofold. One, I was sad to see Anunoby go. But two, these moves should make the Raptors better.
Barrett has a higher ceiling than Anunoby, is still just 23 years old, and is putting up 18.2 points per game this season. It doesn’t hurt that he’s from Toronto and grew up a Raptors fan.
Quickley was another big get for the Raptors. The guard looks like he should be an excellent fit next to Scottie Barnes, who could thrive next to an elite scoring guard.
But Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, and the rest of the roster will be, um, quickly put to the test as they go up against Donovan Mitchell and the 18-14 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, the Cavs have won six of their last eight games, but they have been dealing with some key injuries over that period and it’s starting to affect their play.
Cleveland has been known for its defensive prowess over the past few seasons but that has taken a blow thanks to injuries to Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Mobley has been out since Dec. 8, while Garland hasn't played since Dec. 16. With those two guys out, the Cavs rank a middling 16th in defensive rating. They have also dropped from fifth in opponent assists per game to 11th.
That has me looking at Barnes and his assist prop tonight. Scottie has arguably been the Raptors' best playmaker this season, averaging 5.8 assists per game. That bumps up to 6.5 dimes over his last 11 games and he has dished out six or more seven times over that stretch.
I’m betting Barnes works to get his new teammates involved in their debut in front of the home crowd and takes advantage of a Cavaliers team missing two of its best players. Take the Over on his 5.5 assists for this matchup.
My best bet: Scottie Barnes Over 5.5 assists (-115 at PointsBet)
Cavaliers vs Raptors same-game parlay
Scottie Barnes Over 5.5 assists
RJ Barrett 2+ made threes
Raptors 1Q moneyline
Now, Barrett hasn’t had a great year shooting the deep ball, hitting just 33.1% of his 3-point attempts. But with Barnes and Quickley having a chance to run an interesting two-man, and Pascal Siakam doing his thing, Barrett should get some open looks. I like him to take advantage of those in his Raps debut so, let’s add his 2+ made threes.
While the Raptors have not been known for getting off to good starts this season, I like their fortunes to change here. The trade will breathe new life into this group and they’ll come out firing. Plus, the Cavaliers defense has been lacking without Mobley and Garland, giving up more points in the first (29.5) than any other quarter. So, let’s close this SGP by taking the Raps on the first-quarter moneyline.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Looking to bet on some Raptors action? Join PointsBet, one of Canada’s favourite books for new bettors!
Cavaliers vs Raptors spread and Over/Under analysis
Oddsmakers opened the Raptors as 2-point favorites for this Eastern Conference matchup despite the Cavaliers being 18-14 and the Raps 12-20 and coming off a loss to the pathetic Pistons.
Not only have the Raptors opened as favorites, but they have seen the early action as well, now sitting at -3 as of early Monday afternoon. I guess people are buying into the idea that the new players will give this team a boost.
While I like the trade for the Raptors, the results may not be immediate. It’s also hard to know how a team will operate with presumably two key starters added to the rotation. And something just feels wrong about a 12-20 team giving points to Mitchell, so I’m staying away from the spread.
When it comes to the total, that hit the board at 224.5 and early bettors have jumped on the Over, moving the line up to 227. Even at this new number, I would be inclined to agree with the early money.
The Raptors have been slowly getting better on offense, entering ranked 17th in offensive rating and 20th in effective field goal percentage. Not great by any means, but it is an improvement.
The Cavs defense has suffered without Mobley and Garland and is giving up 116 points per game over the past seven.
Meanwhile, the Raptors were supposed to hang their hats on defense, but that hasn’t been the case. Since the start of December, they rank 23rd in defensive rating and are surrendering 119.2 points per game. I’d lean Over here.
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is coming!🕒
Vermont sports betting will launch on January 11 — but you can pre-register now with FanDuel and DraftKings!
Check out the best Vermont sports betting apps (as more brands launch in the Green Mountain State), as well as the best Vermont sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Cavaliers vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the first-quarter moneyline in 27 of their last 38 games at home for +13.1 units. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Cavaliers vs Raptors game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Monday, January 1, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Bally Sports Ohio |
Cavaliers vs Raptors latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
