Cavaliers vs. Raptors Picks & Odds For Oct. 23: Toronto Retool Starts With Loss

The Toronto Raptors host the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, October 23 in the 2024-25 season opener for both sides. It's a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions, though, with the Cavaliers entering as the six-point favorites on the road courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Here's a look at all important betting odds, including expert picks for spread, moneyline, total, and a player prop for this Eastern Conference showdown north of the border.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds

Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET

Odds as of October 22, 2024 at FanDuel

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Expert Picks

Cleveland Cavaliers ATS -6 (-112), ML (-235)

Toronto's front office has come forth and admitted that this upcoming campaign is more so a rebuild and retooling for the franchise. Rather than compete for a playoff or play-in berth, which could still be on the table through sheer willpower and blowing away limited expectations, the Raptors will prioritize internal growth and forging cohesion between Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. 

Unfortunately, heading into battle against the Cavaliers, it sounds like one of those three will be unavailable to compete as Barrett continues his recovery from a shoulder injury he suffered during the preseason. His goal is to suit up, but as of Tuesday afternoon, the 24-year-old wing hadn't been cleared for contact, and according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg, he wants to ensure he's fully healed before returning to action.

Missing Barrett means the 21.8 points he averaged after coming over from the New York Knicks midway through last season are up for grabs. Bruce Brown (knee) and No. 19 overall pick Ja'Kobe Walter (shoulder) will also be absent, as will Cavaliers starting forward Max Strus (hip), although Cleveland is better equipped to compensate for his absence as opposed to the Raptors potentially being sans Barrett.

Toronto did take one home outing against the Cavaliers last season, albeit by three points with now-former Raptor Pascal Siakam needing to drop 36 points. Against a defense that just ranked seventh in the Association, bolstered by the two-man combination of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low, the Raptors' options to match point for point with Cleveland is limited on both ends of the floor. 

UNDER 223 Total Points (-110)

Toronto hit the OVER at a 51.9 percent clip in 2023-24 at 42-39-1, while the Cavaliers were slightly lower at 40-41-1 (49.4 percent). 

Both teams ranked in the bottom-third of the Association in offense following the All-Star break, so oddsmakers having the point total here set at 223 total points feels too ambitious when also factoring in the missing bodies.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Player Prop

Gradey Dick UNDER 2.5 Made 3-Pointers (-156)

Not having Barrett by his side would realistically free up more shooting opportunities for Dick, who converted 12-of-35 from 3-point range during the preseason at 34.1 percent. A goal of head coach Darko Rajakovic is to incorporate Dick more in offensive schemes, and his bread and butter is his outside shot which remains a work in progress with his efficiency.

Taking the OVER and projecting three 3-pointers is a tall task, as Dick only made that many on 14 occasions out of a possible 60 games. Cleveland's defense isn't nearly as imposing on the perimeter as it is around the rim, so Dick could make us pay for taking the UNDER. 

Yet there's a reason why the odds are what they are.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Trends