RJ Barrett Out
Craig Porter Jr. Out
Dean Wade Questionable
Jarrett Allen Out
Sam Merrill Out
Max Strus Out
De’Andre Hunter Out
Darius Garland Out
This is already the third time this season that the Raptors and Cavs are meeting. While the Cavs have been dealing with some injuries, the Raptors have taken both games in the series so far. Although the Cavs are looking a bit healthier things have taken at turn tonight. With a host of guys out, it's going to take Donovan Mitchell giving 110% to keep this team afloat. However, with Toronto at home and healthy, it's going to be a tough one.
The Raptors came into this season a tad unraveled. There were concerns about the fit of Ingram, the lack of shooting or playmaking, and grumbles about the overall fit. However, those worries have washed away as we get more on this group. They’ve turned their lack of a number one scorer into an advantage. This team is extremely diverse in their scoring options. It’s not uncommon to see 3 or 4 guys with 20 points. In general, this team is shooting fantastic, sitting at the top of the league in three-point percentage and overall shooting percentage. Overall, this group has shown they’re a force in the East.
The Cavs, on the other hand, continue to impress after a solid season last year. Injuries have been the main factor holding this group back. It’s been a merry-go-round of injuries preventing us from fielding a full-strength team. They’ve managed to weather some of the storms, but the skies don’t look like they’ll be completely clear for Cleveland injury-wise anytime soon. Beyond the injuries, this team is still dangerous. Mitchell and Mobley have been two of the best players in the league. While the supporting cast hasn’t lit the world on fire, it’s been enough so far. The real X-factor is Garland. With him out again tonight, most of the scoring will fall on Mitchell. He’s been able to carry that load, but coming off a back-to-back isn’t going to be easy, especially on the road.
If both teams were healthy coming into this game, I think Cleveland would have the edge, but they’re not. With no Garland, Allen, Hunter, or Strus, this will be a tough game. Yes, the Raptors are without Barrett, but other than him, they look ready to go. With so much scoring and home-court advantage, the Raptors are in a great position to win. That’s why I’m taking the Toronto moneyline, the over on 234.5 points, and the Toronto spread at -1.5.
Money line: CLE (-108) / TOR (-112)
Total Points: 234.5
Spread: +1.5 CLE (-115) / -1.5 TOR (-105)
Mitchell has been on a scoring streak, averaging over 30 points per game and putting up 30 in his last matchup with Toronto. With Garland struggling, the Cavs will likely rely on Mitchell’s offense again, so the over looks like a solid pick tonight.
Barnes has rebounded well against Cleveland this season, grabbing 10 boards in both games. He averages 7.6 rebounds per game, and if Poeltl is limited, Barnes should get even more chances on defense.
While the reigning Defensive Player of the Year can be a bit inconsistent with rebounds, 10 seems within reach tonight. With Allen out, Mobley will serve as the primary center. Mobley should be able to contest rebounds on both ends of the floor. Having posted 10+ rebounds in his last two games without Allen, Mobley has a good chance to hit the over again tonight.
Quickley’s passing ability has come a long way this season. While he’s never been known as a primary playmaker, he certainly stepped into that role this year. Averaging 6 assists a game, he’s been feeding his teammates good looks all season. Especially with the scoring diversity on this roster, any pass he makes finds its way into the hands of a scorer. The over is definitely the move tonight.