Betdistrict.com
Cleveland Cavaliers will try to continue their dominance over the Toronto Raptors when last year’s Eastern Conference finalists meet for the second time this season.
Cleveland (8-1, 5-1 home) defeated Toronto 4-2 last year in the Conference finals, winning all 3 home games and they also beat the Raptors this year in Toronto (one of Toronto’s 2 losses). The Cavs have looked like the best team in the league so far this season, seeking to prove they are deserving NBA champions after being a bit fortunate to win against Golden State last season. Cleveland has become one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the league, breaking an NBA record by making 10+ three pointers in each of their games this season.
The Raptors (7-2, 3-0 away) continues to play their brand of basketball and win games, despite often being disrespected by fans and pundits. Last year’s finalists in the East, the Raptors are second behind the Cavs right now and they will likely end the regular season on that position. As usual, Toronto’s success is largely attributed to Kyle Lowry and especially DeMar DeRozan, their two All Stars.
Bet on Cavaliers vs. Raptors and claim your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet now!Toronto is definitely one of the most underrated teams in the NBA, they are clearly the second best team in the East but most fans and experts keep looking at other teams which own bigger names in their roster. However, as much as I rate Toronto, I doubt they will be able to really challenge the Cavs today.
Cleveland is a better side and has utterly dominated Toronto at home in last year’s final, winning all 3 home games via blowouts. Of course this match doesn`t hold the same importance, but Cavs will still be eager to claim a W and make a statement. They beat Toronto by 3 points away from home earlier in the season, which was a much more difficult game. Even if Toronto is 3-0 on the road to start the season, they are much stronger at home.
Toronto is largely dependent on Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, mostly playing ISO ball trough them. Their two All Stars have been up to the task this season, especially DeRozan who is putting up historic numbers, leading the league in scoring with 34.7 points per game. However, Lowry and DeRozan will be guarded by the likes of Kyrie Irving, Lebron James or Iman Shumpert today, superstar players and/or elite defenders.
It will be very difficult for Lowry and DeRozan to put up the kind of points Toronto needs from them, at least not with a decent shooting percentage. And if they don`t, Toronto doesn`t know another way to play. All you need to do to beat the Raptors is stop these two guys, but few teams are able to do it. Cavs are maybe the best equipped team in the league to do it.
Cleveland should have enough for at least an 8-10 point win and if their 3 point shots are falling, it could be another home blowout against Toronto. My tip is Cleveland to cover the 6 point handicap. Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 107 – 95.
Pick: Cavaliers -6
Odds: 1.98 @ Slbet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.84
Event date: 15 November
