Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
May 18, 2016
Date & Time: Thursday, 19 May @8:30 PM
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland)
Head to Head Record
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 115-84 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 99-97 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 122-100 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 103-99 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 87-81 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors prediction
After rolling over Toronto Raptors in game 1, Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to move one step closer to booking their place in the NBA play-offs final with yet another victory over the Canadian team at their Quicken Loans Arena. Toronto’s pride will be at stake this time out and it remains to be seen if they are capable of upsetting LeBron James and Co. in game 2.
The unstoppable Cavs
By beating the likes of Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks Cleveland Cavaliers set up a meeting with Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference final. Tyronn Lue’s men impressed in game 1 against Raptors, with the last season’s runners-up beating the Canadian side 115-84 in front of home fans. Cleveland Cavaliers are regarded as favourites to win game 2 as well, but they can’t afford any complacency in Thursday’s clash at their Quicken Loans Center. LeBron James scored 24 points in Tuesday’s game against Toronto, but it has to be noted that he spend no more than 28 minutes on the court. Kyrie Irving led the team to the triumph with 27 points and five assists and the duo is likely to prove a handful for Raptors in game 2. You should bear in mind that Cavs are after their sixth consecutive win at home.
Jordan McRae and Sasha Kaun remain on the sidelines, but coach Tyronn Lue can count on all of his key players for Thursday’s match against Toronto Raptors.
Heavy defeat in game 1
Toronto Raptors somehow survived Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semis, but Cleveland Cavaliers posed a much bigger threat for the Canadian team than their previous rivals. Dwane Casey’s charges were outclassed by Cavs in game 1 and they now need to learn from the mistakes they made on Tuesday evening. DeMar DeRozan scored 18 points in the 115-84 loss to Cleveland and, no doubt, all eyes will be on him and Kyle Lowry in game 2. Anyhow, Raptors face an uphill task in the clash against last season’s NBA finalists and, taking everything into account, away win should not be considered this time out. Center Jonas Valanciunas was sorely missed in Tuesday’s match and if he fails to recover in time to face Cavs in game 2, the visitors are likely to experience all sorts of problems in the Quicken Loans Arena clash.
Jonas Valanciunas is a major doubt and he faces race against clock to be fit for the match. Bruno Caboclo is out of contention, but coach Dwane Casey has no other selection worries ahead of the game.
Interesting Facts
- Cleveland Cavaliers scored 100+ points in each of their last 12 home matches
- Cavs are after their fourth consecutive win over Toronto at Quicken Loans Arena
- Toronto are on a three-game losing run on the road
- LeBron James was shooting 11 of 13 from the field in game 1
- Raptors have already suffered five defeats on the road in the 2016 NBA play-offs
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors betting pick
Cleveland Cavaliers proved their worth in game 1. Cavs are undisputedly superior to Toronto Raptors and seeing that Tyronn Lue rested his starters in the 115-84 win over Dwane Casey’s men, there is every chance the hosts will double their lead over the Canadian outfit. Cleveland are a real force to be reckoned with at home and I am tempted to put my money on LeBron James and Co. this time out.
Pick: Cleveland -11.5
Odds: -110
