Cavaliers vs Raptors Picks and Prediction – 10/23/2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday in both teams' opening game of the 2024-25 NBA season. Cleveland finished last season with a record of 48-34 which was fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have been projected to win 47.5 games. Kenny Atkinson is the new head coach for the Cavaliers. Keep up to date with all the NBA action with our expert NBA picks.

High scorer Donovan Mitchell is back after signing a three-year extension. The playmaking of Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Max Strus, and Darius Garland helped the Cavs finish eighth in assists last season. In the paint, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley give the Cavs strength on the boards. Injuries decimated the Cavs a season ago, but the roster is healthy except for Max Strus, who is out with a hip problem, Emoni Bates, and Sam Merrill, who is day-to-day. 

Toronto finished last season 25-57, 12th in the Eastern Conference, and missed the postseason. Toronto has been given a projected win total of only 33.5. Scottie Barnes is the top player for Toronto and one of two players in the NBA, along with Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged at least 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a block, and a steal last season.

During the offseason, Toronto added Bruno Fernando and Davion Mitchell while drafting Ja´Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Ulrich Chomche. The Raptors will rely on RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Barnes, throughout the season and therefore these three must remain injury-free or the Raptors will struggle. Walter is out injured, while three others are day-to-day but expected to play.

Cleveland is healthy to start the season except for Max Strus, and the Cavaliers should be too much on opening night for Toronto. Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and others for the Cavaliers will control the game’s pace and the boards at both ends and play a defense that will shut down the Toronto offense enough for Cleveland to open the season with a victory. Final Score Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers win and cover ATS 110-102.