Not much is expected of the Toronto Raptors this season, but the vibes are good surrounding this group as they open the 2024-25 season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But vibes might not be enough as the team is already dealing with several injuries, including to RJ Barrett. That means someone will have to step up in this matchup and my Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions are set on an NBA player prop for sophomore Grady Dick.
Check out my favorite NBA picks in this Eastern Conference matchup on Wednesday, October 23.
Cavaliers vs Raptors prediction
My best bet
Gradey Dick Over 2.5 made threes (+120 at PointsBet)
My analysis
It’s going to be an interesting season for the Toronto Raptors. Their regular season win total of 30.5 tells us not to expect much from this group. And yet, they are still likely too talented to bottom out like some of the other teams in the Eastern Conference.
So instead, they’ll need to figure out if they can build around a core led by the trio of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett.
Those three are supported by some interesting pieces like youngsters Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter and veterans Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see the Raptors in their true form in tonight’s opener against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers because Barrett, Walter, Olynyk, and Brown are all sidelined for this matchup.
The Cavaliers with their twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have an imposing presence on the defensive end of the floor and the team finished last season ranked seventh in defensive rating.
That means things could be tough on Barnes and Quickley tonight, who set up as the primary scorers. However, that also means there are going to be some opportunities for other guys to step up, and I’m looking toward Dick.
The 20-year-old shooting guard is looking to take a leap forward in Year 2 following a strong finish to his rookie campaign. Thanks to trades and injuries, Dick became a starter late in the season and flashed his potential by averaging 13.1 points while hitting 2.1 threes per game over his final 19 and finished the year shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc.
Now, Dick is looking at a bigger role this season and he looked strong in the preseason, going 12-for-31 (38.7%) over his last four games.
And even though the Cavs are a strong defensive team, they ranked a surprising 21st in opponent 3-point shooting percentage. With Barnes and Quickley drawing more of the focus, I can see a lot of drive and kicks to Dick who should knock down a trio of treys tonight.
Cavaliers vs Raptors same-game parlay (SGP)
Gradey Dick Over 2.5 threes
Jakob Poeltl Over 2.5 assists
Immanuel Quickley Under 7.5 assists
Let’s start with Jakob Poeltl, who could be in for a tough night against Mobley and Allen while backup Olynyk is sidelined. Poeltl is an underrated big, but he could have little room to work in this one.
He’s also been a solid playmaker, averaging 2.5 assists per game last season. I can see the Raptors working the inside-out game where Poeltl kicks it out to open shooters (hopefully Dick).
Next, I'm not so much fading Quickley as isolating the game situation. IQ averaged 6.8 assists per game with the Raptors last season. But there’s an important split here.
Before Barnes' season-ending injury, Quickley averaged 5.8 assists per game. After, he averaged 8.3. Barnes is playing tonight and when you consider the other players who are out for the Raptors, I expect Quickley to be used as more of a scorer than a playmaker in this one.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cavaliers vs Raptors odds
Cavaliers vs Raptors live odds
Get the latest Cavaliers vs Raptors NBA odds.
Cavaliers vs Raptors opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland -4.5 | Toronto +4.5
- Moneyline: Cleveland -180 | Toronto +150
- Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Cavaliers vs Raptors spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors hit the board for their season opener as 4.5-point home underdogs and bettors have sided with the Cavaliers, moving to 6.5.
- This matchup was always going to be tough for the Raptors even if they were at full health. The Cavaliers don't have a ton of depth, but neither do the Raptors, and Mitchell and Mobley give the Cavs the talent edge.
- The total opened at 221 and has been bet up to 222.5 as of Wednesday afternoon.
- I would lean Under here. Not only are the Cavaliers a good defensive team but they play at a slow tempo as well, ranking 24th in pace last season.
Cavaliers vs Raptors trend
The Raptors hit the Game Total Under in 18 of their final 28 games at home last season for +7.00 Units and a 23% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.
Cavaliers vs Raptors game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10-23-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Cavaliers vs Raptors latest injuries
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