The 2024-25 Toronto Raptors appear to be nearing an extinction-level event. The Raptors have just one win since December 5 and they will be massive 15-point underdogs for tonight’s matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.
So, what’s a Raptors fan to do? Back an Immanuel Quickley player prop of course. My Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions break down one of the bright spots on this roster and bring you my NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash set to tip off at 7:00 pm ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Raptors vs Cavaliers prediction
My Raptors pick
Immanuel Quickley 3+ threes (+175 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
Yes. The meteor is fast approaching this Toronto Raptors season.
They enter tonight’s matchup with an 8-29 record and are 1-14 in their last 14 games. Even having their full starting lineup in action for the first time all season hasn’t helped, losing their last two games by 24 and 14 points.
Another way you can tell the tank is really on in Toronto is the fact that the Raptors, who despite the losses, were playing hard and were one of the best bets against the spread in the NBA. Toronto is now 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall.
So, what is a Raptors fan and bettor to do? Well, cheer on your favorite players with prop bets. And one guy we can keep cheering on is Immanuel Quickley.
Toronto has already made a long-term commitment to the sharpshooting guard so we know he will be a part of the future. And why not, what we’ve seen of Quickley as a Raptor has been impressive.
Quickley is averaging 18.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.5% from 3-point range on nearly seven attempted threes per game in 45 games as a member of the Raptors. He’s also contributing 6.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
On the surface, a matchup with the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers looks tough. Hell, the Raps are 15-point underdogs. Not only do the Cavs have multiple potential All-Stars led by Donovan Mitchell, but they are generally regarded as a strong defensive team and rank eighth in defensive rating.
But a lot of that defensive strength comes from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the inside and guards have had more success against the Cavs. Cleveland actually ranks 21st in the NBA when it comes to 3-point attempts allowed to opposing guards and 22nd in 3-point percentage.
I mentioned Quickley’s 3-point shooting prowess and while he’s been up and down since his return from injury but is coming off a game against the Knicks where he went 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. He’s also hit three or more threes twice in his last four games.
Quickley’s made threes prop is sitting at 1.5 but the Over is heavily juiced so give me his alt threes of 3+ at +175 instead.
Raptors vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Immanuel Quickley 3+ threes
Immanuel Quickley Over 15.5 points
Georges Niang Over 1.5 threes
If Immanuel Quickley hits this best bet I’m fairly confident he’ll go Over his modest point total which is sitting at 15.5 for this matchup. IQ has only played six full games this season, but in the three in which he hit three 3-pointers, he scored at least 21 points.
There should be some added opportunities for some secondary Cavaliers scorers with Donovan Mitchell out and I’m looking at Georges Niang.
Niang is having another solid season shooting the ball averaging 8.5 points while hitting 38.5% of his attempts from downtown and that is up to a ridiculous 48.3% over 16 games since the start of December.
He takes the fourth most threes per game on the Cavs and I expect that to go up as he faces a Raptors team that ranks 27th in defensive rating and 23rd in opponent 3-point attempts and shooting percentage.
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Raptors vs Cavaliers odds
Raptors vs Cavaliers live odds
Raptors vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +15 | Cleveland -15
- Moneyline: Toronto +850 | Cleveland -1400
- Over/Under: Over 234 | Under 234
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as massive 15-point road underdogs but that hasn't stopped early bettors from moving the spread to 15.5.
- That said, I don't hate the Raptors at this massive number. While they have covered just two of their last 11 games, Toronto is still figuring out its new rotations and is as healthy as they have been all season. Even though the Cavaliers have been a great bet this season at 26-10 ATS they are just 1-3 ATS in their last four games when laying double digits.
- The total hit the board at 234 and has been bet up to 235.5 as of early Thursday afternoon.
- The move up makes sense considering both teams play at a high tempo and we could see an increase in possessions. The Raps' defense is struggling but they also have the tools to put up some points against this Cavs team.
Raptors vs Cavaliers trend
The Cavaliers have covered the Spread in 28 of their last 38 games for +17.00 Units and a 41% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Raptors vs Cavaliers
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Thursday, 1-9-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Raptors vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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