Observers are witnessing the baton of supremacy in the East is being passed. Toronto has emerged as the top seed and NBA betting online commodity. Cleveland’s reign as Beast of the East seems to be ending. In fact, things are so bad that it has made head coach Tyronn Lue sick. Health issues were stated as the official reason for his leave of absence. Skeptics wonder if LeBron James was the actual culprit of Lue’s “illness.” Regardless the latest story is indicative of a team in decline. On the other hand, Toronto is locked and loaded.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Raptors vs. Cavaliers TV Coverage: ESPN
Cleveland
Slumping Cleveland has failed to cover four of their last six NBA betting online matchups. Just as alarming is a 5-5 straight up mark in their last ten. Perhaps a defense that ranked 27th in the NBA contributed to Tyronn Lue feeling so bad. Such poor defensive play has offset the NBA’s fifth ranked offense. Trailing Toronto by 11 games in the East the Cavaliers are reeling. Despite a roster re-make last month results are getting worse instead of better. Lebron James has emerged as their actual coach, regardless of who holds the title.
Toronto
Toronto has overcome Boston as Eastern Conference sportsbook favorites. With payouts in four of their last six games the Raps are holding value. Just as impressive are nine straight up wins in their last ten games. Balance is paramount to their success. Offensively the Raptors rank third in the NBA. On the back end TO ranks sixth for total defense. Away from home Toronto is 21-14 vs. the line. Head coach Dwane Casey has never felt better. Dreams of an Eastern Conference Finals berth are legitimate.
Big Names on Court
King James is carrying the Cavs with 27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds per game. What’s debatable is whether his ego has become a liability. DeMar DeRozan powers the Raptors with 24 points per game. Lesser known but in top form DeRozan is a four time All Star. Viability as NBA Most Valuable Player for him is sky high. Few players have had a greater impact on their team.
Team vs. Team
No team in the NBA has been a worse home betting value than Cleveland. Red ink gushes with just eight payouts in 34 home games by the Cavs. Head to head the Cavs have failed to get the money in their last two vs. Toronto. Over the total has paid in six of the last eight in this series. Quicken Loans Arena has provided value to the Cavs. Most relevant is Cleveland’s six payouts in their last eight at home vs. the Raps.
Matchup to Watch
Rare is the time when Cleveland is a contrarian NBA betting online pick. However, this game marks such a moment. Toronto is hot while the Cavs are in turmoil. Public money will flow to the Raptors. Cleveland will be a rare decent value.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Lebron James and the Cavs should rise to the occasion for this one. For once Cleveland rates as a contrarian call!
NBA Betting Online Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Cavaliers 120, Raptors 111