The Toronto Raptors (1-4) and Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast live on FDSOH.
The Cavaliers are 5.5-point favorites over the Raptors on the spread (Cavaliers -5.5), with the over/under set at 239.5 total points. Cleveland is a -240 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Toronto is +195 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Friday, October 31.
My Raptors vs Cavaliers Prediction
- Raptors vs Cavaliers pick: Over 239.5 (-110)
My Cavaliers vs Raptors best bet is on the over, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Raptors vs Cavaliers Odds
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 239.5 -110 / -110 | +195 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 239.5 -110 / -110 | -240 |
Raptors vs Cavaliers NBA Preview
This number has skyrocketed since we gave it out on Buckets Thursday night at 236.5, and for good reason.
The Raptors have the second-worst defense in the NBA, or as I like to call it, “the worst defense among NBA teams which excludes the Nets.”
Toronto is trying to play at a breakneck pace and aggressive, high-pressure defense without good defenders in their starting unit, and getting obliterated.
Everyone is of the belief they need to scale it back, but a coach usually wants to give something at least 10 games to try before just abandoning ship.
They couldn’t slow down the Rockets, who don’t have a point guard.
The Cavaliers have a PG in the form of Donovan Mitchell if he plays (questionable for Friday night).
If Mitchell doesn’t play, yes, that throws a significant wrench in the plan.
But the Cavaliers still have better ball-handlers and a much better offense than Houston, who put up over 140 on Toronto.
However, while the Raptors’ defense is obviously bad, what tends to get missed is how good their offense is.
The Cavaliers have been inconsistent this season, but their defense isn’t good enough to shut down the number of shot makers Cleveland has.
Jakob Poeltl is out, meaning the lob is going to be there for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
After a loss, Kenny Atkinson’s Cavs were only 8-10 ATS last season, but the over was 11-7 in those games.
The Cavaliers are playing up-tempo this year, and over is 12-6-1 under Darko Rajaković against teams with a pace over 105.
I project this total at 240. You’re chasing steam at this point, but there’s still some juice to squeeze.
Raptors vs Cavaliers Best Bet
- Over 239.5 (-110)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this matchup.
Moneyline
I will also be steering clear of the moneyline market.
Over/Under
My Cavaliers vs Raptors betting prediction is on the over at 239.5 total points.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Betting Trends
