The NBA playoffs kick off today, with the Toronto Raptors betting underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For Toronto sports fans, with the NHL’s Maple Leafs mercifully gone and MLB’s Blue Jays last in the American League East at 7-12, looking nowhere like the team that riveted the nation with a World Series run last fall, all eyes turn to the NBA’s Raptors for respite (and the MLS’ Toronto FC, off to a solid 3-2-2 in the Eastern Conference).
The Raptors kick off a best-of-seven 1st Round playoff series today against the Cleveland Cavaliers and are deep underdogs. It could have been worse – the Raptors could have drawn the New York Knicks, a team they went 0-5 against this season.
In fact, the Raptors struggled against good NBA teams all season, which is why their chances in this series are slim.
Any Toronto hope is going to come down to Scottie Barnes, who had a brief introduction into the NBA playoffs when he was a rookie. He hasn’t been there since then.
Barnes had a stellar regular season – 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, while shooting a career-best 50.7% from the field, earning a second All-Star nod. One of the most versatile star players in the NBA, Barnes anchored the defense with elite steals and blocks.
Can he be the man on a playoff team, though? If the Raptors go down to the Cavs, it’s still going to be viewed as a good season in Toronto, from a team growth perspective.
Toronto went 3-0 against Cleveland this season, and had a defensive rating of 112.1, fifth best in the NBA, 11th in steals, 15th in blocks.
But other than going 12-3 in December, the Raptors were a .500 team. So let’s pump the brakes on too much enthusiasm.
BEST BETS
Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers, 1 p.m. EST, Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Raptors ATS
At Betway this morning, the Cavaliers are -330 favourites on the Moneyline, the Raptors +265. Against the Spread: Cavaliers -8.5 (-105), Raptors +8.5 (-115). Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (Over is -115, Under is -105).
The Raptors have all their starters ready to go today – Forwards Brandon Ingram and Barnes, center Jakob Poeltl, guards RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, although Quickley has been dealing with a hamstring strain. Thomas Bryant is out for the Cavs.
I am going to take the points with the Raptors in this one, looking right at Ingram, Barrett and Barnes, who are capable of over-matching the Cavaliers.
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, 6 p.m. EST, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Under 216.5
At Betway this morning, the Knicks are -225 favourites on the Moneyline, the Hawks +185. Against the Spread: Knicks -5.5 (-110), Hawks +5.5 (-110). Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (Over is -110, Under is -110).
Other than the Hawks’ Jock Landale, out with a high ankle strain, the injury reports for both teams are clean.
The Knicks finished 53-29 on the season and had one of the NBA’s better net ratings, a tough, physical team with big-time star power – Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby.
A defensive fight today between two strong defensive teams (Atlanta picked up their defensive play post All-Star break) translates into a tighter game. Go with the Under 216.5.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers, 8:30 p.m. EST, crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Rockets Moneyline
At Betway this morning, the Rockets are -225 favourites on the Moneyline, the Lakers +185. Against the Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-110), Lakers +5.5 (-110). Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (Over is -105, Under is -115).
Injuries are the story going into this one – Lakers’ Luka Doncic (hamstring injury/illness) and Austin Reaves (oblique injury/illness) are both listed as out according to the official NBA injury report at 9:30 a.m. this morning. Kevin Durant is listed as questionable, with a right knee issue, on the Rockets’ side.
The Lakers have home court advantage, but the Rockets are favourites on the Moneyline for a reason – the Lakers are missing their two best non-LeBron guys.
ESPN reported that a team source told them the Rockets are optimistic Durant will play. If that happens, then the Rockets top five defence is fully intact.
I am taking Rockets Moneyline in this one.
