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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

For the Toronto Raptors, it’s the first time in the franchise’s history that they’ve made it this far in the competition. After beating Miami, they’ve made it clear they’re here to stay. However, in their way now is the Cleveland Cavaliers that has, among many, none other that LeBron James in their ranks. Keep reading for the full game preview and prediction.

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Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Time: Tuesday, May 17, 2016 8:30 PM ET
  • Place: Quicken Loans Arena
  • Betting Odds: Cleveland -11
  • Total: 202

Raptors Betting

After beating the Miami Heat in the last round, the Raptors gave a clear message to every other team still in competition. They’re clearly hungry to make this their year. And, they won’t be denied.

Something has also become clear through the last two rounds. When Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are firing on all cylinders, they make one heck of a lethal combination. In the last game against the Heat, Lowry finished with 28, while DeRozan with 35 points.

If they can bring this type of intensity to their series against the Cavs, they have a great shot at the NBA Finals. However, if Dwayne Wade was hard to keep under a lid, LeBron James will be even harder so they’ll just have to figure out a way to stop him if they’re going to accomplish this feat.

And, there’s another factor that might play into their chances of winning. After Jonas Valanciunas’ injury, that might keep him out over the first few games, they might have a big hole at center. Though Bismack Biyombo has risen to the occasion and was successful in frustrating James somewhat in their regular season matches, his lack of experience might put him at a disadvantage. In the last four games as a starter, Biyombo finished with 11 points, 12 boards and 2.5 blocks per outing, which is pretty good all things considered.

Cavaliers Betting

The Cavs didn’t even break a sweat through their last two rounds. First, they cut down Detroit easily. Then, it was the Atlanta Hawks they felled.

Now, however, they face the Raptors and they might be in for a surprise if they underestimate them even a bit. Toronto wasn’t a easy nut to crack during their regular season games, in fact, they lost those games this year. And, while the Cavaliers clearly more experience, they cannot afford to give the Raptors an inch to get into any sort of flow.

The Cavaliers are firing on all cylinders nevertheless. And, their shooters are laser effective at putting down points from the perimeter, only being behind the Golden State Warriors in shooting percentage from the field. Cleveland also has LeBron James and this is where he’s at his best, you can count on him to lead his team to winning.

Betting Trends

  • Toronto is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
  • Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
  • Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
  • Cleveland is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto
  • Cleveland is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Toronto
  • The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland's last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto

Game Prediction: Cleveland takes the wind out of Toronto’s sails in game one and wins.

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