Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
May 20, 2016
Date & Time: Saturday, May 21, 8:30 PM
Venue: Air Canada Centre (Toronto)
Head to Head Record
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 108-89 (2015/2016 NBA)
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 prediction
Saturday’s match at Air Canada Centre sees Toronto Raptors square off against Cleveland Cavaliers in game 3 of the Eastern Conference final. The Canadian team face a must-win situation in Saturday’s clash, but beating LeBron James and his teammates is easier said than done.
Raptors must leave their hearts on the court
Toronto Raptors experienced all sorts of problems in the tie against Miami Heat, but they somehow made it to the Eastern Conference final. Nonetheless, Dwane Casey’s men obviously have a big fish to fry in the tie against Cleveland Cavaliers as they were outclassed by Tyronn Lue’s troops in previous two play-off games (84-115, 89-108). It is well known, though, that Raptors produce much better performances in front of home fans and the team’s top scorer DeMarcus Rozan is likely to prove a handful for Cavs on Saturday evening. The bad news for the fans is that centre Jonas Valanciunas remains in the recovery room and, no doubt, the Lithuania international is going to be sorely missed in game 3. Kyle Lowry played below expectations in the 108-89 defeat to Cleveland, but he is expected to shine in Saturday’s match at Air Canada Centre.
Jonas Valanciunas is definitely out of contention, while Bruno Caboclo remains in the recovery room. Coach Dwane Casey has no other selection worries ahead of the visit of Cleveland Cavaliers.
Cavs with one foot in big final
As expected, Cleveland Cavaliers recorded back-to-back wins over Toronto Raptors in front of home fans and they moved one step closer to booking their place in the NBA play-offs final. Cavs doubled their lead on Thursday evening, but coach Tyronn Lue must warn his men against complacency as Raptors are tough to beat at home. As before, a man to watch in the away team will be LeBron James, who has netted 47 points in the Eastern Conference final so far. Cleveland have been impressive on the road in the 2016 NBA play-offs and it has to be noted that they are after their fifth consecutive away triumph. Tyronn Lue’s men are with one foot in the NBA final, but they need to take the Air Canada Centre clash very seriously. In their last meeting in Canada Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a 99-97 loss to Toronto Raptors, with LeBron James scoring 25 points for Cavs back then.
Jordan McRae and Sasha Kaun remain on the sidelines, while Matthew Dellavedova tweaked his ankle in game 3, but he should recover in time to face Toronto on Saturday evening.
Interesting Facts
- Cleveland Cavaliers are after their fifth consecutive win on the road
- Cavs scored 100+ points in each of their last nine away matches
- Toronto conceded less than 100 points in six of their last seven home games
- Raptors had a 32-9 home record in the regular season
- DeMar DeRozan scored 62 points in total in previous two home games
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting pick
Toronto Raptors are desperate to record a win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game 3. Dwane Casey’s men are a real force to be reckoned with at home and there is every chance duo Kyle Lowry – DeMar DeRozan will pose a big threat for Cavs this time out. Cleveland Cavaliers were beaten by Toronto Raptors in their last meeting at Air Canada Centre and, taking everything into account, home win should be considered.
Pick: Toronto Raptors + 5.5
Odds: -110
