I’m now 8-8 in Raptors free predictions as Denver (+9.5) was defeated by 5 in overtime, 112-107 at Toronto last night. Tonight the Raptors play at the 12-7 Cleveland Cavaliers.
(16-5) Toronto Raptors @ (12-7) Cleveland Cavaliers
Probable starting line-ups:
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – Greivis Vasquez C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – Terrence Ross PF – Amir Johnson
Cleveland – Point Guard – Kyrie Irving Shooting Guard – Shawn Marion C- Anderson Varejao Small Forward – LeBron James Power Forward – Kevin Love
Stats Leaders:
Toronto – PPG – Kyle Lowry 20.3 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 8.3 APG – Kyle Lowry 7.2
Cleveland – Points Per Game – LeBron James 24.6 Rebounds Per Game – Kevin Love 9.6 Assists Per Game – LeBron James 7.6
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
Toronto – PF – 108.9 (2nd) PA – 100.3 (19th)
Cleveland – Points For (Per Game) – 102.9 (11th) Points Against (Per Game) – 99.1 (12th)
Overview:
The Toronto Raptors have won 3 of their last 4 games. Last night they were victorious 112-107 in overtime at home versus the Nuggets. Shooting guard Louis Williams came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 26 points on 7 of 16 shooting in 28 reserve minutes. He was 9 of 10 from the foul line. Power forward Patrick Patterson scored 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting in 39 minutes. He hit 5 of 7 from the 3 point line. He also grabbed 8 rebounds. Center Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He was 8 of 11 from the field in 31 minutes. Small forward Terrence Ross chipped in with 16 points on 7 of 15 shooting in 40 minutes. The team shot 50.6% from the field, 27.3% from the 3 point line (9-33), and 72.4% from the free throw line (21-29). The team was out-rebounded 49-44. The Raptors blocked 10 shots. The team scored 62 points in the 1st half but only managed to score 40 in the 2nd half. Toronto is 6-2 on the road this season. Tonight is the 2nd game of a back to back. They are 3-1 in the 2nd game so far this season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers come in to tonight’s tip-off winners of 7 in a row. Last night they scored a 110-88 win at Brooklyn. Shooting guard Dion Waiters, in a reserve role, led the team in scoring with 26 points on 11 of 21 from the field in 30 minutes of action. Power forward Kevin Love had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. He was 7 of 14 from the field in 32 minutes. Small forward LeBron James netted 18 points on 8 of 17 shooting in 34 minutes. He also dished out 7 assists. Power forward Tristan Thompson came off the bench with a double double as he scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He was 6 of 7 from the field in 29 minutes. The team shot 47.8% from the field, 36% from the 3 point line (9-25), and 68.2% from the foul line (15-22). The Cavs out-rebounded the Nets 55-33. The team had a big 3rd quarter as they outscored the Nets 35-18. Cleveland is 6-4 at home this season. Tonight is the 2nd game of a back to back. They are 3-2 in the 2nd game so far this season.
Toronto and Cleveland have split their first 2 meetings this season with each team winning on the other team’s home court. After tonight they play 1 final time this season, March 4th at Toronto.
Prediction:
One team being more worn out than the other won’t matter in this one since both teams played last night. Both meetings have seen the victor win by double digits, I can see that happening again this evening.The Cavs have a good thing going at the moment and I can see them taking a 2-1 series lead (for the season) against the Raptors. Take the Cavaliers -6 (1.90) (Bet365)
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