The series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors shifts north of the border for Game 3 as the Cavaliers look to tighten their grip on a first-round matchup they have controlled from the opening tip. Holding a 2-0 lead after back-to-back double-digit wins, Cleveland arrives in Toronto with confidence and balance, while the Raptors face a must-win situation to avoid falling into an almost insurmountable 3-0 deficit. Before tip-off in Toronto, continue reading to get my Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 3 prediction.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 3 Pick
- Pick: Cavaliers -3
- Confidence: 4 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Toronto Raptors
- Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Key Storylines
Cleveland enters Game 3 enjoying strong play on both ends, winning Games 1 and 2 by comfortable margins, including a 115-105 result last time out. Their offense has been efficient and balanced, with multiple scoring options stepping up each night. The Cavaliers are now aiming for a commanding 3-0 series lead, a position that historically means that a team is going to advance to the next round.
Toronto, on the other hand, is searching for answers after getting inconsistent production from top to bot. Adjustments are expected, including smaller lineups and potential rotation tweaks, as the Raptors attempt to generate more offensive flow. With the home crowd behind them and a solid regular-season home record, this is their best chance for Toronto to shift the tone of the series.
Key Players
Toronto Raptors
- Scottie Barnes: Leading the charge with 26 points in Game 2, Barnes remains the engine of Toronto’s offense while also contributing around 7.5 rebounds per game.
- Brandon Ingram: Ingram has struggled mightily in the postseason so far, which has become one of the biggest stories of the playoffs. His performance in this game could determine whether the Raptors have any chance in this series whatsoever.
- Immanuel Quickley: Averaging 5.9 assists per game, his playmaking is critical, though his availability is uncertain due to a hamstring issue.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: Averaging 27.9 points per game, Mitchell dropped 30 in Game 2 and continues to lead Cleveland’s scoring attack.
- James Harden: Added 28 points in Game 2 while averaging 7.7 assists per game, serving as the primary facilitator.
- Evan Mobley: A key two-way presence with 9.0 rebounds per game, Mobley added 25 points and 8 rebounds in Game 2, highlighting his versatility.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- The Raptors are 3-2 against the Cavaliers this season despite being down 0-2 in this series.
- Cavaliers ATS record: 35-49
- Raptors ATS record: 42-42
Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 3 Model Projection
- Score Projection: Cavaliers 112 – Raptors 106
- Win Probability: Cavaliers 62%, Raptors 38%
Cleveland has clearly been the better team through two games, and the numbers back it up. Their offensive efficiency, with multiple creators, has stretched Toronto’s defense thin. Even with the shift to Toronto, the Cavaliers’ ability to generate consistent scoring opportunities gives them an edge. I’m going to lay the points with Cleveland here, as they should go up 3-0 and all but guarantee their place in the second round.
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