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Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Playoffs Odds, Prediction

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The Toronto Raptors head into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in franchise history. Can they upset the Cavs?

The Toronto Raptors are entering uncharted territory as they get set to battle the Cleveland Cavaliers. Can their banged-up lineup hold it together and upset LeBron James and the mighty Cavaliers? Let’s take an in-depth look at the series.

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds

The Raptors enter this series as significant underdogs. NBA odds currently list the Cavaliers as -743 favourites to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals with the Raptors priced at +379 underdogs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers opened as 10.5-point favourites for Tuesday’s Game 1.

NBA Playoffs Odds

Raptors Cavaliers Odds

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Schedule

Eastern Conference Finals schedule

Game 1: Tuesday, May 17: Raptors at Cavaliers, 8:30 p.m. ET

Game 2: Thursday, May 19: Raptors at Cavaliers, 8:30 p.m. ET

Game 3: Saturday, May 21: Cavaliers at Raptors, 8:30 p.m. ET

Game 4: Monday, May 23: Cavaliers at Raptors, 8:30 p.m.  ET

Game 5: Wednesday, May 25: Raptors at Cavaliers, 8:30 p.m.  ET*

Game 6: Friday, May 27: Cavaliers at Raptors, 8:30 p.m. ET *

Game 7: Sunday, May 29: Raptors at Cavaliers, 8:30 p.m. ET*

*if necessary

Toronto Raptors

In what might have been the ugliest NBA playoffs series in recent memory, the Raptors finally dispatched the Heat in seven games to earn a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, does Toronto have anything left in the tank? Kyle Lowry (elbow) and DeMar DeRozan (finger) are both playing injured and Jonas Valanciunas remains on the shelf with a sprained ankle. With all three of those players at 100 percent, the Raptors could give the Cavaliers a good run for their money, but that’s far from the case. Instead, Toronto will need more support from Terrance Ross, Bismack Biyombo, Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson to keep this series competitive. The Raptors aren’t being given much of a shot when you look at NBA odds, but they have won two of their last three against Cleveland and have shown they can grind it out in the playoffs. Don’t sleep on them is big underdogs, especially early in this series.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers come into this series well rested after sweeping their first two opponents and will have home-court advantage. LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving have been exceptional in the postseason and give the Cavs a three-headed attack that is the envy of the rest of the league. The Cavaliers can beat you a lot of different ways and they have covered the point spread in five of their eight playoff wins to date. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland tries to take advantage of the weary Raptors early in the series and pushes the pace at home. If the Cavs can take the first two games, they could coast into another long layoff before the NBA Finals.

Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction

This might be a series the Toronto Raptors look back on and think “what if?” With a full, healthy roster, the Raptors have proven they can hang with the best of the Eastern Conference, but after two nasty series with the Pacers and Heat, they may not be able to give their best showing against the well-rested Cavaliers. Cleveland has star power that Toronto can’t match, so the Raptors will need to keep playing ugly basketball to have a chance against the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, with Valanciunas still out and Lowry and DeRozan hurting, that may not be possible in the long run. As far as NBA betting goes, The Raptors will have betting value in this series as underdogs on the point spread, but taking the next step to the NBA Finals might be too much to ask from this group that has already accomplished so much.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers in six games.