Cavaliers vs. Raptors prediction, tips and NBA odds

Not much is expected from the Toronto Raptors this season, but spirits are high among this group as they open the 2024-25 season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But the sentiment may not be enough as the team is already dealing with several injuries, including to RJ Barrett. That means someone has to compete in this matchup, and my Cavaliers-Raptors predictions are based on a second-year NBA player for Grady Dick.

Check out my favorite NBA picks in this Eastern Conference game on Wednesday, October 23rd.

Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction

My best choice
Gradey Dick Over 2.5 made threes (+120 at PointsBet)

My analysis

It's going to be an interesting season for the Toronto Raptors. Their win total of 30.5 in the regular season shows that we can't expect much from this group. And yet, they're probably still too talented to bottom out like some of the other Eastern Conference teams.

Instead, they need to figure out if they can build around a core led by the trio of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.

These three are supported by some interesting pieces like young guys Gradey Dick and Ja'Kobe Walter as well as veterans Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown. Unfortunately, we won't be able to see the Raptors in their true form in their opening game tonight against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as Barrett, Walter, Olynyk and Brown are all out for that matchup.

The Cavaliers, with twin towers Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, have an imposing defensive presence and the team finished seventh in defensive rating last season.

That means things could be difficult tonight for Barnes and Quickley, who were the main scorers. But that also means there will be some opportunities for other people to step up, and I'm looking at Dick.

The 20-year-old shooting guard is looking to take a step forward in year two after a strong finish to his rookie season. Thanks to trades and injuries, Dick became a starter late in the season and showed his potential by averaging 13.1 points and hitting 2.1 three-pointers per game in his final 19 games. He finished the year with a 36.5% shooting rate from distance.

Now Dick is considering a bigger role this season and he made a strong impression in the preseason, going 12 of 31 (38.7%) in his last four games.

And although the Cavs are a strong defensive team, they surprisingly ranked 21st in opponents' 3-point shooting percentage. With Barnes and Quickley more of a focus, I see a lot of drive and kicking for Dick, who should knock down a trio of treys tonight.

Cavaliers vs. Raptors – Match Game (SGP)

Gradey Dick Over 2.5 Threesomes

Jakob Poeltl Over 2.5 assists

Immanuel Quickley Under 7.5 assists

Let's start with Jakob Poeltl, who could face a tough night against Mobley and Allen while backup Olynyk is out. Poeltl is an underrated giant, but in this case he might have little scope.

He was also a solid playmaker, averaging 2.5 assists per game last season. I can imagine the Raptors running the inside-out game with Poeltl shooting to the open shooters (hopefully Dick).

Next, for me, it's not so much about fading Quickley as it is about isolating the game situation. IQ averaged 6.8 assists per game with the Raptors last season. But there is an important divide here.

Before Barnes' season-ending injury, Quickley averaged 5.8 assists per game. He then achieved an average of 8.3. Barnes is playing tonight and considering the other players playing for the Raptors, I expect Quickley to be used more as a scorer than a playmaker in this game.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Cavaliers vs Raptors odds

Cavaliers vs Raptors live odds

Get the latest NBA odds between Cavaliers and Raptors.

Cavaliers vs. Raptors opening odds

• Spread: Cleveland -4.5 | Toronto +4.5
• Money line: Cleveland -180 | Toronto +150
• Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221

Cavaliers vs. Raptors distribution and over/under analysis

• The Raptors were on the field in their season opener as 4.5-point home underdogs and bettors have sided with the Cavaliers, moving them up to 6.5.
• This matchup was always going to be tough for the Raptors even if they were at full health. The Cavaliers don't have much depth, but neither do the Raptors, and Mitchell and Mobley give the Cavs the edge in talent.
• The total started at 221 and was bet at 222.5 on Wednesday afternoon.
• I would lean down here. Not only are the Cavaliers a good defensive team, they also play at a slow pace, finishing 24th last season.

Cavaliers vs Raptors trend

The Raptors reached the Game Total Under in 18 of their final 28 home games last season for +7.00 units and a 23% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.

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