Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick
The Cleveland Cavaliers (47-30) will try to extend their winning streak to four games and hand the Toronto Raptors (55-21) their second straight loss when they host them Tuesday as small home favorites. The Cavaliers own a one-game lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Central Division while the Raptors are up two games on the Boston Celtics in the Atlantic.
NBA point spread: The Raptors opened as one-point favorites; the total is at 223.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 112.8-103.7, Cavaliers (NBA picks on every game)
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Why the Raptors can cover the spread
Toronto has a solid shot of earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, although Boston's six-game winning streak has tightened up the race. In order for the Raptors to win the Atlantic, they need to finish the regular season strong, starting with this visit to Cleveland.
In their last trip to Quicken Loans Arena on March 21, they lost 132-129 despite closing as two-point road favorites. Toronto had won the previous meeting 133-99 as a 2.5-point home underdog back on January 11, so this is the rubber match between the teams before a potential matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Why the Cavaliers can cover the spread
The Cavaliers are catching Toronto in a pretty good spot, playing the first game of a difficult back-to-back situation with their opponent hosting Boston on Wednesday. They have also won 10 of the past 12 meetings straight up in the series, including the playoffs, going an impressive 8-3-1 against the spread in those games, according to the OddsShark NBA Database.
Cleveland has lost only once since Kevin Love returned to the lineup. Love totaled 13 points and 13 rebounds in a 98-87 home win over the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Sunday while LeBron James posted a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists.
Smart betting pick
The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in six of their last eight when playing the first game of a back-to-back, and their next matchup with the Celtics is more important considering the divisional implications.
Meanwhile, every game is crucial for the Cavaliers as they are just a half-game ahead of the surging Philadelphia 76ers, who have won 10 in a row. Look for Cleveland to play with a sense of urgency and cover.
NBA betting trends
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last five games.
Toronto is 1-4-1 ATS in its last six games against Cleveland.
Cleveland is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games.
All NBA odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.
