RJ Barrett’s incredible three landed the Raptors an overtime win in Game 6, forcing this series to a decider in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have the highest payroll in the NBA, and they accelerated their timeline by trading for James Harden in February.
Can they keep their dreams of a second NBA title alive, or will the Raptors pick up the series’ first away win?
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction betting picks and predictions
Ja'Kobe Walter over 6.5 threes attempted (-135)
Without Brandon Ingram in the lineup, the Cavs forced their defensive attention on RJ Barrett through the last seven quarters of this series.
Immanuel Quickley’s absence has put more onus on Scottie Barnes to be a facilitator. Three of the next four players up in Toronto’s rotation are non-factors from three: Jamal Shead, Jakob Poeltl, and Collin Murray-Boyles.
That’s put a lot of pressure on Ja’Kobe Walter to space the floor for Toronto. He closed the season in fine shooting form, and ended above 40% from deep for the campaign, which is impressive for a second-year player.
Walter has made 10 threes across the last two games, largely due to the fact that he’s playing starter minutes. The inexperienced guard could find the stakes of Game 7 a little much, but Toronto’s injury issues mean they have little option but to keep teeing him up.
Walter has taken at least seven threes in four of the last five games in the series. He shot 14 in Cleveland in Game 5, followed by nine in the last game.
Given his value as a spacer and the need for someone to step into Ingram’s shoes as a scorer, Walter looks good to take at least seven shots from distance.
Scottie Barnes over 8.5 assists (+110)
Barnes stepped up as a creative force late in the regular season when Quickley was first ruled out. He’s always had a great passing range and good vision, but now he finds himself needing to create offense for a Raptors side which lacks dynamic scoring.
Barnes had 14 assists in Game 6, while he finished with 11 in Games 5 and 3. The star man should see his usage spike in his first Game 7, so he can clear this assist line.
James Harden 10+ assists (+400)
Harden’s Game 7 record is often mocked, having failed to score 20 points in three of his last four series deciders.
However, Harden finished with 13 assists in the Clippers’ first-round finale last year. He has recorded 9, 9, 7, and 13 assists across his last four Game 7s.
The former MVP has transitioned towards a more creative role since his high-scoring days in Houston.
Given Harden’s playoff reputation, there could be a motivation to get off ball, and set up teammates, rather than putting up his own shots. Harden had 10 assists in Game 1, another nine in Game 6, and he’s averaging 13.5 potential assists - i.e. shots created - across the series.
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Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction odds
CLE Cavaliers | -300 |
TOR Raptors | +240 |
Spread | CLE Cavaliers -8.5 |
Total Points | O/U 211.0 |
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction player props
Player Points
Donovan Mitchell (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 25.5 |
RJ Barrett (TOR Raptors) | O/U 23.5 |
Scottie Barnes (TOR Raptors) | O/U 20.5 |
James Harden (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 20.5 |
Evan Mobley (CLE Cavaliers) | O/U 16.5 |
Collin Murray-Boyles (TOR Raptors) | O/U 12.5 |
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Cavaliers vs. Raptors Prediction Team News
Cavaliers
Brandon Ingram is the headline name on the injury report for Game 7, with the All-Star listed as questionable with right heel inflammation.
The Raptors’ forward exited Game 5 early after reaggravating that injury, and he missed Game 6 as a result.
Given the apparent links to bigger Achilles injuries, Ingram isn’t expected to risk playing with the injury.
Raptors
The Raptors have already ruled out guard Immanuel Quickley for the series, so they’re set to be down two starters for Game 7.
The Cavs have a clean bill of health for Sunday’s game.
If Ingram remains out, Cleveland is expected to stick with Max Strus as the fifth-man in their starting lineup.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
