Raptors vs Cavaliers NBA Pick: Toronto Tries To Avoid 0-3 Deficit (Apr 23)

• The Cavaliers are in control after two straight double-digit victories.
• Meanwhile, Toronto hopes a change in venue will help it get back into the series.
• These teams previously met on Apr. 20, with the Cavaliers claiming a 115-105 victory.

One of Thursday’s NBA playoff matchups features the Toronto Raptors hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of this first-round playoff series. Who has the edge in our Raptors vs Cavaliers pick?

Toronto vs Cleveland Game 3 Preview

Following a 126-113 loss in Game 1, the Raptors find themselves down 0-2 after dropping a 115-105 decision to the Cavaliers in Game 2.

ALSO SEE: Hawks vs Knicks | Odds and NBA Pick (Apr 23)

The Raptors trailed by as many as 16 points in the third quarter before pulling within 99-90 in the fourth. However, Donovan Mitchell answered with a personal 7-0 run to help Cleveland prevail by a double-digit margin.

Scottie Barnes led five double-digit scorers with 26 points, five assists, and four rebounds. RJ Barrett chipped in with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.

On the other side, four players reached double figures for Cleveland. Mitchell scored a game-high 30 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. James Harden poured in 28 points, connecting on nine of his 14 shot attempts.

Will the Raptors get a much-needed win on their home floor, or will Cleveland go up 3-0?

Raptors vs Cavaliers NBA Pick

Toronto enters this contest as a 3.5-point underdog. Here’s a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 3.

• The Raptors are 4-6 straight-up (SU) in their last 10 games.
• Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its previous nine home contests.
• The Cavaliers are 7-1 (SU) in their last eight outings.
• Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its previous six matchups.

The Raptors have dropped seven of the previous 10 meetings in this series. Cleveland is 6-1 in its last seven outings against Eastern Conference opponents. That said, look for the Cavaliers to prevail.