The Toronto Raptors begin their 5 game road trip as they take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland tonight.
(21-14) Toronto Raptors @ (22-9) Cleveland Cavaliers
Probable starting line-ups:
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – DeMar DeRozan C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – DeMarre Carroll PF – Luis Scola
Cleveland – PG – Kyrie Irving SG – J.R. Smith C – Tristan Thompson SF – LeBron James PF – Kevin Love
Stats Leaders:
Toronto – PPG – DeMar DeRozan 23.0 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 9.2 APG – Kyle Lowry 6.4
Cleveland – PPG – LeBron James 25.8 RPG – Kevin Love 10.7 APG – LeBron James 5.9
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
Toronto – PF – 100.3 (18th) PA – 96.9 (4th)
Cleveland – PF – 99.8 (20th) PA – 94.5 (3rd)
Overview:
The Toronto Raptors had their 2 game winning streak snapped with a 115-113 defeat at home versus the Chicago Bulls yesterday. Starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan led the team in scoring with 24 points. He also had 4 assists and 2 rebounds. He shot 7 of 17 from the field, 7 of 8 from the free throw line, and 3 of 6 from the 3 point line. Starting point guard Kyle Lowry notched a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists. He also had 5 rebounds. He was 8 of 22 from the field, 3 of 4 from the free throw line, and 3 of 8 from the 3 point line. Starting power forward Luis Scola contributed with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He was 9 of 17 from the field, 2 of 3 from the free throw line, and 2 of 2 from the 3 point line. Backup point guard Cory Joseph came off the bench to net 13 points. He also had 4 assists and 2 rebounds. He shot 5 of 9 from the field, 2 of 2 from the free throw line, and 1 of 3 from the 3 point line. The team shot 45.7% from the field, 84.2% from the free throw line, and 43.3% from the 3 point line. They attempted 19 free throws and made 16 of them. They made 13 of 30 shots from beyond the arc. They were out-rebounded by their opposition 42-37. They had 21 assists in the game. They had 8 blocks. They scored 8 fast break points and 42 points in the paint. They were up 12 at the half but were outscored 67-53 in the 2nd half. Tonight is their 19th road game of the season. They are 10-8 on the road thus far. Tonight is the 2nd game of a back to back. They are 3-4 in the 2nd game this season. Their next game is Wednesday at the Brooklyn Nets.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 3 in a row after a 104-79 pounding of the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Starting small forward LeBron James led the team in scoring with 29 points. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He shot 11 of 18 from the field, 3 of 4 from the free throw line, and 4 of 7 from the 3 point line. Starting point guard Kyrie Irving tallied 13 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds. He was 4 of 12 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free throw line. Starting power forward Kevin Love produced a double-double as he poured in 10 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. He also had 2 assists. He was 2 of 5 from the field, 5 of 8 from the free throw line, and 1 of 2 from the 3 point line. Starting center Tristan Thompson also had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 4 of 6 from the field and 2 of 8 from the free throw line. The team shot 41.5% from the field, 61.5% from the free throw line, and 32.4% from the 3 point line. They attempted 39 free throws and made 24 of them. They made 12 of their 37 attempted 3-point shots. They out-rebounded the Magic 53-45. They had 24 assists in the game. They had 6 steals in the game. They held their opposition to only 4 fast break points. They scored 34 points in the paint. Tonight is their 16th home game of the season. They are 14-1 at home thus far. After tonight they go on the road for a 6 game road trip. Their next game is Wednesday at the Washington Wizards.
In the first meeting of the season Toronto held on for a 103-99 victory at home versus Cleveland. After tonight the Raptors and Cavaliers play 1 more time this season: February 26th at Toronto.
Prediction:
The Raptors are in the 4th spot in the East, 3 games behind their opponent tonight, the Cavs. The Cavaliers have been strong at home as they’ve only lost once of the 15 games they’ve played on their home court. I think the Cavs take this one but it will be closer than the line suggests.
Take the Raptors +8 (1.86) (Bet365)
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