As top seed in the Eastern Conference Toronto has earned respect and credibility. But Cleveland boasts three straight trips to the NBA Finals. Until the Cavaliers are dethroned as Beast of the East they will rate tops with gamblers. This is where opportunity meets reality in the NBA Playoffs. Toronto must defeat Cleveland in their playoff series for true legitimacy. And roster wise that would seem possible. But LeBron James is again proving why he is such an NBA betting online asset. He is literally carrying the Cavaliers on his broad shoulders. King James and crew simply won’t surrender.
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3
Date and Time: Saturday, May 5, 2018, 8:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptors | +4½ (-110) | 216 (-110) |  |
| Cavaliers | -4½ (-110) | 216 (-110) | |
| |||
Raptors vs. Cavaliers TV Coverage: ABC
When Cleveland stole game one 113-112 it served as the ultimate reminder. LeBron James is the ultimate NBA betting online weapon. James did it again with a game leading 26 points. He added 11 rebounds and 13 assists. The tempo of the series was set right there. Game four of this series is also in Cleveland. If necessary game five is in Toronto. The Cavs would get home court for game six. Air Canada Centre would host a game seven.
Whatever is said about LeBron James its simply inadequate. Regardless of his personality the fact remains he dominates like no other. Cleveland is woefully lacking secondary scoring depth. That puts more pressure on King James. Yet he thrives under the gun. Much like he did with the 2016 NBA Finals. With his team down 3-1 LeBron rallied his club. Under his leadership the Cavaliers took the World Championship. It was a rally for the ages. And it was the ultimate statement as to what an impact James can have on an NBA game. Let alone a series.
Toronto NBA Betting Online Trends
Toronto entered this series as unproven. Yes, they are up and coming. In fact, they are coming off their best season ever. But playoff success has eluded the Raptors. Their best run was in 2016. Cleveland took them out 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. DeMar DeRozan has hit his prime at the age of 28. His credibility is such that he is captain of the Raps. He is a four-time NBA All Star. This year he had a team best 23 points per game. So far in post season he is averaging 26 per outing.
The matchup of these teams is also a matchup of captains. Cleveland’s proven hard edged veteran James. Toronto’s emerging superstar DeRozan. James is clearly the proven champion.
Cleveland has had the upper hand in this sportsbook series. Toronto has covered just two of their last eight games against the Cavs. Five of the last seven between these teams went over the total. Quicken Loans Arena has seen the Cavs pay in eight of their last ten with the Raps. Four of the last six between these teams at Cleveland went over the number.
Matchup to Watch
Cleveland was a terrible NBA betting online value at home. They have paid in just 13 of 45 home games this year. King James at home is too much for the public to resist. Enhanced value in turn goes to the opponent.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Toronto is the better value and is the contrarian call.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Toronto Raptors
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Raptors 101 Cavaliers 100
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