The Toronto Raptors (8-8) will face the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-8) for the second time this season on Sunday, January 1, 2024. The game will tip off at 4:30 p.m. ET at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raptors will look to avenge their one-point loss to the Cavaliers in early November, while the Cavaliers will try to extend their winning streak to three games.
Raptors aim to bounce back from Bulls loss
The Raptors are coming off a 121-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday, snapping their three-game winning streak. The Raptors trailed by as many as 26 points in the third quarter and could not overcome the Bulls’ balanced scoring attack. The Raptors were led by forward Pascal Siakam, who had 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Guard Fred VanVleet added 19 points and five assists, while center Khem Birch had 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors have been inconsistent this season, alternating between wins and losses in their last eight games. They are 4-4 straight up and against the spread in that span, and 9-7 against the spread overall. They are 5-5 against the spread as underdogs and 4-4 against the spread on the road. The Raptors are averaging 111.4 points per game, ranking 12th in the league, and allowing 109.9 points per game, ranking 15th in the league. They are 17th in pace, averaging 98.6 possessions per game, and 21st in defensive rating, allowing 110.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Raptors will need to improve their defense and rebounding against the Cavaliers, who outrebounded them 49-38 and scored 50 points in the paint in their previous meeting. The Raptors will also need to get more production from their bench, which was outscored 40-23 by the Bulls. The Raptors will rely on Siakam, who is averaging 20.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, and VanVleet, who is averaging 19.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, to lead their offense.
Cavaliers look to continue their hot streak
The Cavaliers are riding a two-game winning streak after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 121-115 on Saturday and the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-120 on Thursday. The Cavaliers overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter against the Lakers and held off a late rally by the Timberwolves. The Cavaliers were led by guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists against the Lakers and 32 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists against the Timberwolves. Guard Darius Garland added 24 points and nine assists against the Lakers and 22 points and 10 assists against the Timberwolves.
The Cavaliers have been surprising this season, as they are tied for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. They are 6-10 against the spread overall, but 4-2 against the spread in their last six games. They are 3-5 straight up and against the spread at home, and 5-3 straight up and against the spread as favorites. The Cavaliers are averaging 112.4 points per game, ranking ninth in the league, and allowing 112.6 points per game, ranking 19th in the league. They are 18th in pace, averaging 98.4 possessions per game, and 18th in defensive rating, allowing 111.2 points per 100 possessions.
The Cavaliers will look to maintain their offensive efficiency and balance against the Raptors, whom they shot 50.6 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from the three-point line in their previous meeting. The Cavaliers will also look to exploit their size advantage and dominate the paint and the boards, as they did in their last two wins. The Cavaliers will lean on Mitchell, who is averaging 28.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, and Garland, who is averaging 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, to lead their attack.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers odds, line, spread, and prediction
According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Cavaliers are favored by 2.5 points in the latest Raptors vs. Cavaliers odds, and the over/under is set at 227 points. The Cavaliers have covered the spread in four of their last five games against the Raptors, and the over has hit in four of their last five meetings. The Raptors have covered the spread in four of their last five games overall, and the over has hit in four of their last five games as well.
The Raptors and the Cavaliers are evenly matched, as they have the same record and similar offensive and defensive numbers. The Raptors have the edge in experience and depth, while the Cavaliers have the edge in momentum and home-court advantage. The game could go either way, but the Cavaliers have been playing better lately, and have the confidence of beating the Raptors before. The Raptors could struggle to contain Mitchell and Garland, who have been on fire in their last two games. The Cavaliers could also exploit their size and rebounding advantage, and get more second-chance points and free throws. The Raptors could keep it close, but the Cavaliers could pull away in the end.
