Cavaliers vs Raptors Picks and Predictions: Raps Keep Rolling Behind OG

At the risk of sounding like a broken record: the Toronto Raptors are getting better with every game. Toronto has won five in a row, after a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS road trip it just completed.

Now, the Raps return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, with standout rookie Scottie Barnes in for this matchup. Will Toronto be able to get it done as 5.5-point NBA betting favorites against Cleveland, which has covered as underdogs in six of its last seven games?

Find out in our free picks and predictions for Cavaliers vs. Raptors on November 5.

Cavaliers vs Raptors odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

The Raptors opened this matchup as 6-point favorites but the early money has come in on the Cavaliers to move the line to 5.5. It’s the total that has seen the bulk of the action. It hit the board at 208 and has been bet down to 204.5.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.

Cavaliers vs Raptors predictions

• Prediction: Raptors -5.5 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 204.5 (-110)
• Best bet: OG Anunoby Over 19.5 Points (-115)

Predictions made on 11/5/2021 at 1:55 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Cavaliers vs Raptors game info

• Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
• Date: Friday, November 5, 2021
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet, BSOH

Cavaliers vs Raptors betting preview

Injuries

Cavaliers: Lauri Markkanen PF (Out), Kevin Love PF (Out), Isaac Okoro SF (Out).
Raptors: Scottie Barnes SF (Probable), Pascal Siakam PF (Out).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games against Toronto. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.

Cavaliers vs Raptors picks and predictions

Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.

Spread analysis

The Raptors come into this game as winners of five in a row (4-1 ATS) with the last two games being particularly impressive as they snagged wins against the Knicks and the Wizards as underdogs without Barnes. 

Through nine games, Nick Nurse is re-establishing the fact that he is one of the best coaches in the NBA as this young but talented team ranks sixth in net rating to this point. The Raptors are also one of the most tenacious defending teams in the NBA, ranking sixth in defensive rating and leading the NBA (by a wide margin) in deflections.

Now, they’ll face an up-and-coming Cavaliers team in a matchup where everyone will be excited to see the No. 3 and No. 4 overall picks in Evan Mobley and Barnes. But while the Cavs have shown signs they have a promising future, in the present, they rank 19th in offensive rating and 25th in turnover percentage, while also being without Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love due to COVID.

OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, and Gary Trent Jr. have stepped up on offense and it doesn’t hurt that they’ll be getting back Barnes, who was averaging 18.1 points per game prior to his thumb injury. While Nurse’s defensive style will give the Cavs fits, and the Raps will ride a bunch of turnovers to a win and cover at home.

Prediction: Raptors -5.5 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

Obviously, we have missed the best number on the total here, but even so, I think we should still lean towards the Under in this matchup.

For starters, both teams play good defense. We already noted how the Raptors excel at that end of the floor, but the Cavs aren’t too shabby either as they rank 11th in defensive rating. On top of that, the Raptors and Cavs rank 21st and 24th respectively at 105.3 and 104.2 points per game.

Now, this number may seem a little low when you consider those numbers but these teams also play at some of the slowest paces in the league. 

The Raptors actually rank 29th in the NBA in pace, which is funny because you think of them creating turnovers and running the floor, but when they aren’t running, they milk each possession for all it’s worth. Meanwhile, the Cavs rank 23rd in pace this season, while ranking 20th in effective field goal percentage.

And with neither team being a great long-range shooting team (Cleveland ranks 24th in 3-point shooting percentage, Toronto 21st), the Under is a better bet when it comes to the total.

Prediction: Under 204.5 (-110)

Best bet

Precious Achiuwa came through for us with our best bet last game, but we did see Nurse try to get him more involved, even with the improved play of Khem Birch, so we’re going to stay away from that today. And instead, we’re going to look at the Raptors' big breakout star — OG Anunoby.

Anunoby to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award at +2,000 was one of my favorite Raptors bets to make heading into the season. And the early returns look great.

Anunoby looks like he can do it all on the court. He can defend, hit spot-up threes, and most importantly this season, at least for now, it looks like he can create his own shots off the dribble — something the Raptors desperately need.

Anunoby is averaging 20.3 points on 41 percent shooting, including 37 percent from three, while adding 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He also set a career-high for points against the Knicks with 36 points and has scored 21 or more points in five of his last seven games. 

While Barnes being back does lighten the scoring load on Anunoby a bit, it really looks like OG is taking on a leadership role with this team and is looking to get buckets when his team needs him. Plus, the Cavs seem short on guys who can effectively guard him. Look for him to top 20 points in this one.

Pick: OG Anunoby Over 19.5 Points (-115)

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