Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
January 11, 2018
Date & Time: Thursday, January 11 @8:00 PM
Venue: Air Canada Centre (Toronto)
Head to head record
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 75-78 (2017 Summer League)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 102-109 (2016/2017 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers 94-115 (2016/2017 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 125-103 (2016/2017 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 116-105 (2016/2017 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers will be aiming to bounce back from a heavy 127-99 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves when they face Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Canadian club are eager to return to winning ways as well and an entertaining clash is on the cards.
Promising start to the season
Over the years Toronto Raptors have established themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Toronto Raptors have been producing fine performances in NBA this season and, as a result, they sit in second place in their conference ahead of Thursday’s clash against Cleveland Cavaliers. It is well known that Dwayne Casey’s men are tough to beat at home, but they suffered a 90-89 loss to Miami Heat in their last game at their Air Canada Centre. Key player DeMar Derozan, who has been averaging 25.3 points this season, will be the man to watch in the home team and he is likely to pose a big threat for Cavs. It has to be noted that Raptors recorded 12 wins in previous 13 home games in NBA and that is giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the visit of LeBron James and Co.
Serge Ibaka is definitely out of contention, whilst star player Kyle Lowry is a major doubt (back injury) and he will be assessed ahead of the game.
Poor ten
Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a 127-99 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, with LeBron James producing probably his worst performance of the season. “The King James” scored only 10 points in the defeats to Timberwolves, but, no doubt, he is going to play an important role in Tyronn Lue’s team in Thursday’s clash against Toronto Raptors. Cavs are determined to overtake Raptors in second place in the Eastern Conference and they are likely to leave their hearts on the court. First-choice point guard Isaiah Thomas has overcome his long-term injury, but he has yet to find his best form. Anyhow, the game against Toronto could be the turning point for the visitors, who aim to finish the regular part of the season in top position in the standings. Cavs are a real force to be reckoned with at home, but their displays on the travels leave a lot to be desired and it has to be emphasized that they suffered six losses in previous seven away games in NBA.
Iman Shumpert (knee) and Derrick Rose (ankle) are both sidelined with injury, but coach Tyronn Lue has no other selection worries ahead of the trip to Canada.
Interesting Facts
- Cavs conceded 100+ points in six of their last seven games in NBA
- DeMar DeRozan has been averaging 25.3 points this season
- Toronto are eyeing their 15th home win of the season
- Cleveland are after their sixth consecutive win over Raptors
- LeBron James scored 35 points for Cavs in their last meeting with Toronto
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting pick
Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be evenly matched ahead of Thursday’s clash at Air Canada Centre. A close encounter is on the horizon, but seeing that Cavs have been struggling on the travels of late, I am tempted to put my money on Raptors, who have been impressive at home this season.
Pick: Toronto Raptors to win
Odds: +135
