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The Toronto Raptors will open up at home on Wednesday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. These Eastern Conference teams had solid seasons last year, but they'll both look to make a bigger leap. The Raptors finished at 48-34 but lost in six games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. The Cavs surprised everyone and went 44-38, but they lost in the play-in. Cleveland completed a huge deal to bring over three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, indicating that the Cavs are all in and expect themselves to be East contenders this year.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Match Details
Fixture: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Toronto Raptors
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 19, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Key Stats
There were several breakout performers for the Cavaliers last year, namely Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, who both made their first All-Star appearances. Garland led the team in scoring at 21.7 points per game, and he was also the main distributor, tallying 8.6 assists per contest. Allen has established himself as one of the better centers in the East, and he averaged 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks last season. The Cavs also enjoyed a great year from Evan Mobley, the #3 pick in 2021, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. Additionally, Donovan Mitchell comes in from the Utah Jazz after averaging 23.9 points per game and 4.5 dimes. The Cavs were also one of the best teams defensively, especially on the interior, thanks to Jarett Allen's presence. If he can stay healthy, together with Mobley, they'll make life tough for opposing players driving to the rim.
The Raptors return with pretty much the same roster, but the important thing is that their stars Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are healthy to start the year. Siakam is coming off a career year where he averaged 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet made his first All-Star game after averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 dimes, and 1.7 steals. 2021-22 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes is poised to build off of his great rookie campaign, and forward OG Anunoby, who is now in his sixth season, is also a key part of the Raptors' success. Defensively, Toronto has excellent length and they usually rank high in a lot of major categories on this end of the floor.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Prediction
On paper, the Cavs now have one of best backcourts in the NBA with Garland and Mitchell, along with a formidable big man pairing of Allen and Mobley. For the Raptors, they should be in the mix in the East and they have several All-Star caliber players that could help them break into the top four. In the season opener, expect Cleveland to have some minor issues getting everyone their touches, and it may be difficult for them to mesh right away with the addition of Mitchell. The Raptors' main pieces have played together for a while and should be able to jump out to a first-half lead against the visiting Cavs, who were much better at home last season.
Prediction: Raptors First Half ML (-130)
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