Free NBA Pick: Raptors vs. Cavaliers NBA Odds
Looking for Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers free NBA picks & NBA Odds? NBA betting sees the Raptors taking on the Cavaliers on Sunday, March 6th at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Raptors Cavaliers matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(34-29) Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (36-27)
Date: Sunday, March 6th
Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
NBA Moneyline Odds: Raptors +175 | Cavaliers -182 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Cavaliers -4.5
NBA Betting Total: 209.5
Sunday, March 6th the Toronto Raptors face the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third of four scheduled meetings this season. Cleveland is up 2-0 winning November 5th (102-101) and following it up with the 144-99 romp of the COVID decimated Raps on December 26th.
Toronto will host the final game on March 24th. They sit sixth and seventh on the East’s ladder separated by two games so this match could greatly impact seeding.
Both teams played and lost Friday – Toronto to the Magic (97-103) and Cleveland to the 76ers (119-125).
All-time the Cavaliers have the advantage of winning 52 of 98 matches versus the Raptors. Last season the teams played three times with the Raptors winning two of the three contests.
Toronto Raptors
While most rookies hit the wall Scottie Barnes seems to just get stronger as the season progresses. And that’s with him logging heavy minutes – ranking 18th of all NBA players.
Since the All-Star break, he’s been the most consistent and productive player for coach Nick Nurse averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks.
That includes a sub-par (for him) effort Friday versus the Magic (10 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks). Considering it was the team’s sixth game in eight days it’s understandable he and his entire team were fatigued.
Barnes posted double-doubles in three consecutive games prior to Friday. In a bit of a revelation, Nurse also admitted he doesn’t run any plays for Barnes – everything he scores is through his own effort!
That’s typically a situation reserved for superstars that are calling plays and directing who get shots to ensure everyone is invested. The fact as a rookie he’s already playing that role and producing to this level is beyond impressive.
With Fred VanVleet (knee) doubtful to return Toronto could also be without Malachi Flynn due to a hamstring injury. Will Nurse insert rookie Dalano Banton – OR go the unconventional route and have Barnes and Pascal Siakam run the point? I’m thinking the latter.
OG Anunoby (finger) is out indefinitely, DJ Wilson (knee) and David Johnson (knee) were both downgraded to out Sunday.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Like the Raptors, the Cavs have struggled, losing six of their last seven games. Part of it was tied to Darius Garland missing games and while he’s back the team hasn’t fully found their post All-Star footing.
J.B. Bickerstaff tried to get behind his team yelling at the officials during the Hornets match and was ejected plus earned a $20k fine for his efforts.
Since Charlotte took only one additional free throw and LaMelo Ball played only 7:58 because of foul trouble it sure seemed like the Hornets were the team more adversely impacted by the whistle so this was likely more about trying to spark his team
Rookie Evan Mobley is the leading candidate to win Rookie of the Year – however, Barnes and Cade Cunningham are making it a race. With the Cavs falling down the standings plus Mobley seemingly hitting the rookie wall it’s not a given he’ll win.
His seasonal averages are 14.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Since the break, his production has dipped to 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds. That might not be a big concern but he’s consistently registered 14 – 15 points and 8 plus rebounds in every 20 game segment.
If nothing else it highlights how impressive he’s been (and this rookie class for that matter).
Rajon Rondo (toe) and Caris LeVert (foot) are out indefinitely while Collin Sexton (knee) is out for the season.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Raptors are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings against each other
- The teams are 5-5 ATS in the last 10 matches against the Grizzlies
- The over/under is 7-3 in the teams’ last 10 head to head matches
Free Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Prediction
The Raptors are missing more of their core (VanVleet, Anunoby) giving Cleveland the edge.
BUT… (and maybe this is just my bias) – – the Raptors always seem to respond well to a bad loss even though they playing their seventh game in 10 days.
If nothing else expect a playoff-type intensity from both teams as a win by Toronto would put them within a game of supplanting the Cavs for that sixth seed. Conversely, a Cavs’ win gives them the tiebreak and pushes them 3.0 games up on Toronto.
Barnes just missed getting the tip-in before the clock ran out in the first meeting, something tells me he could be the difference in this game.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Raptors +4.5
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