The defending champs are in a bit of a slump, as they have dropped three straight. They are now 13-5 in the season.
The string of defeats includes two blowout losses, and a close 111-105 loss to the Chicago Bulls, where they shot well overall, but got man-handled down low. Chi-town were plus 18 in points in the paint, and their starting five alone out-rebounded the whole Cavaliers team.
Despite the struggles, they should feel good on their chances over the Raptors. The two have met twice in the young season, and the Cavs won both contests. In the season series, LeBron James (24.5 PPG, 10.5 APG) and Kevin Love (18.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG) are averaging a double-double, while Kyrie Irving is recording one of his most all-around stats against any team this season (25.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 3.5 threes).
The Cavs will enter the matchup fourth in scoring (110 PPG) and offensive rating, while allowing 104.7 PPG, which is identical to the league average.
LeBron and company are 4-3 SU (2-5 ATS) on the road this season.
If the Cavaliers have momentum history-wise, the Raptors have momentum winning-wise. They will enter the game on a six-game winning streak (6-0 ATS), with the last four having an average winning margin of 29.7 points.
The recent victory was a 126-84 annihilation of the Atlanta Hawks. It was the largest margin of victory in franchise history, and the crowd was treated by one of the most balanced offensive attacks of the season, as eight Raptors scored in double digits, and the team shot 57.6-percent.
As they seek revenge against the team which they have lost to four straight times dating back to the 2016 playoffs, expect an aggressive offense. They will look to establish their second-ranked offense and fifth-ranked scoring (109.9 per game).
Kyle Lowry (22.5 PPG, 6.5 APG) and DeMar DeRozan (29 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.0 APG) have decent stats in the previous two meetings with Cleveland, but they have to shoot better, as both are only shooting below 41 percent, which is below their season percentages.
Proving to be trusting of their teammates, as evidenced to combining for 12 APG, Lowry and DeRozan could also try to pass more, since the Cavaliers allow the fourth-most assists per game in the league, with 24.
The battle in the paint could also be a key for the Raptors. Jonas Valanciunas should look to provide some damage in the shaded lane, especially after seeing the Cavs give up 78 points in the paint opposite the Bulls. The Lithuainian is averaging 12 points and 13 rebounds in the season series.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cavaliers get back on the winning track, 109-103.
