Can the Toronto Raptors slow down the Cleveland Cavaliers?
That’s the million-dollar question as this Round 1 series swings north of the border, which is more like $1.4 million CAD when you do the currency exchange.
Cleveland has a 2-0 chokehold on Toronto, which is trying desperately to solve the Cavaliers’ constant carousel of scoring threats.
Donovan Mitchell is the biggest thorn in the Raptors’ paw... errr claw.
He’s combined for 62 points in the first two games of the series, but my Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions for Game 3 see Mitchell as more of a playmaker.
My NBA picks like “Spida” to set up his teammates and top his assist prop on Thursday, April 23.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Cavaliers vs Raptors prediction
Who will win Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 3?
Cavaliers: Cleveland has been one of the better two-way teams in the postseason so far.
The Cavs' scoring depth has been on full display, but they have also topped up their defensive intensity, giving Toronto's offense little to work with.
Immanuel Quickley’s absence is felt at point guard, and his status for Game 3 should be monitored closely.
Cavaliers vs Raptors best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 assists (+125)
Donovan Mitchell was the tip of the spear for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening two games, attempting 43 shots for a total of 62 points.
The scary thing is that, unlike in past postseasons, Cleveland doesn’t need Mitchell to shoulder that much of the load.
With James Harden joining him in the backcourt, the pressure is off Mitchell to get good looks every time down the floor. He can allow the offense to move through him rather than to him.
And with the Toronto Raptors opting to run a small-ball lineup at Cleveland’s heavy screen schemes in the second half of Game 2, Mitchell is now seeing more pressure above the arc.
Mitchell, who averages just shy of six dimes per game, uses his gravity as a scorer to manufacture space for others. The Raps will have to pick their poison, hedging hard to take away Mitchell’s outside threat, but, in the process, making him more of a distributor.
Although Mitchell had just nine potential assists in Game 1, that metric spiked to 13.0 in Game 2, manifesting in five actual assists (three in the 2H).
This Game 3 prop opened with the Over 4.5 assists heavily juiced at many sportsbooks, but early action has been backing the Under. Most shops are now dealing this result between -105 and +108, and bet365 is offering strong value to buy back the adjustment at +125.
Mitchell has handed out five or more assists in 10 of his last 17 games overall, and game projections give Mitchell between 4.7 and 5.4 dimes in Game 3.
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Cavaliers vs Raptors same-game parlay
After two games, it really looks like the Raptors are chasing their tails on defense. There’s no easy solution to Cleveland’s inside-out offense. Toronto can’t keep pace beyond the arc and has too many starters going MIA.
Jarrett Allen scored just 10 points in Game 2, but if the Cavs counter like I believe they will, Mitchell will find Allen for easy dump-downs and dunks inside. Allen is projected for 13+ points on Thursday.
Cavaliers vs Raptors SGP
- Cavaliers moneyline
- Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 assists
- Jarrett Allen Over 12.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Along Came a Spida
Mitchell has powered this 2-0 series lead with his scoring, but with Toronto trying to take him out of the equation, “Spida” will find other ways to lead the Cavaliers to victory. His assist and rebounding projections sit as high as 5+ each.
Toronto desperately needs better offense, and a trip home should help the Raptors’ cold shooting, pushing this total Over on Thursday.
Cavaliers vs Raptors SGP
- Cavaliers -3
- Over 219.5
- Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 assists
- Donovan Mitchell Over 4.5 rebounds
Cavaliers vs Raptors odds for Game 3
- Spread: Cavaliers -3 (-110) | Raptors +3 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cavaliers -155 | Raptors +130
- Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Raptors betting trend to know
Toronto has only been a home underdog a dozen times this season (4-8 SU), with those rare spots going 7-5 Over/Under. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Raptors.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 3
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Thursday, April 23, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video, Sportsnet |
Cavaliers vs Raptors latest injuries
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