Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers survived a seven-game first round series to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will meet the top-seeded Toronto Raptors. Does Cleveland have a shot at covering the spread or even winning outright in Game 1 tonight?
Game Snapshot
557 Cleveland Cavaliers at 558 Toronto Raptors
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Air Canada Centre at 8PM ET
TV: TNT
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Basketball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Raptors are a 6.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total sits at 215 points. As of Tuesday afternoon, 54 percent of public bets are being placed on host Toronto. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
LeBron does what he does
Cavaliers superstar LeBron James was spectacular in Game 7 as scored 45 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists over 43 minutes to guide his squad to a 105-101 victory in Game 7 Sunday afternoon over the Pacers. LeBron averaged 34.4 points, 10 rebounds and 7.7 assists for the series. He also did not have a single teammate score 20 points in the entire series for the first time in his NBA career. Tristan Thompson did come through with a big double-double as he registered 15 points and 10 rebounds over 35 minutes. Kevin Love drained four 3-pointers and scored 14 points.
DeRozan, Lowry looking comfortable in playoff setting
Raptors stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have received plenty of flak over the years for their playoff performances, particularly against the Cavs. How the duo plays the upcoming series remains to be seen, but they did get the postseason off on the right foot with solid performances against the Wizards in round one. DeRozan averaged 26.7 points plus 4.8 assists per game, while Lowry put in 17.2 points to go with 8.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. They also received a considerable amount of help from a Toronto supporting cast that is as good as any team’s in the NBA.
NBA Betting Trends
Cleveland
The Cavs are 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Cleveland is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Toronto.
Toronto
The under is 21-8 in the last 29 meetings in Toronto. The Raptors are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four conference semifinals games.
Prediction:
This is a different Toronto team this season with a tougher mindset. Cleveland isn’t as good as past years with LeBron and are coming off a grueling series with Indiana where it barely advanced. If this game becomes a blowout, I wouldn’t be surprised. Go with the Raps.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: TORONTO RAPTORS -6.5