The struggling Toronto Raptors visit the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers on an 11-game winning streak.
The pregame narrative: Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell see favourable matchups, and I expect the duo to take advantage. To round out the +380 SGP, I am fading Raptors star Scottie Barnes.
Check out my Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 9.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions
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Parlay: Allen over 13.5 points, Mitchell 3+ threes, Barnes under 12.5 rebounds & assists (+380)
Allen over 13.5 points (-143): Allen has dominated the paint in recent games and gets a favourable matchup tonight.
Last night, the six-foot-11 centre exploded for 25 points against a stellar Oklahoma City defence. Moreover, he is averaging 19.3 points in his last six games.
The Raptors are lacklustre at protecting the rim, allowing 51.2 PPG from inside the paint. Historically, Allen has feasted against this backcourt.
He has eclipsed 13.5 points in five straight games against Toronto, with a 23-point performance in November.
The dynamic frontcourt tandem of Allen and Evan Mobley has been integral to Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak, and I expect Kenny Atkinson to get the most out of them in this matchup.
SGP legs
Mitchell 3+ threes (-220): Considering the Raptors are bad at defending the deep ball, this prop feels like a layup.
Mitchell averaging 3.8 three-pointers (fourth-most in the NBA) and is shooting a career-best 41% from beyond the arc.
Spida has struggled against tougher competition (shot 2-for-7 from three vs. OKC), but the Raptors are a big step down.
- Toronto, defensively, gives up three-pointers at a 36.5 clip (seventh-highest).
- Made 3+ three-pointers in three of his last four against the Raptors.
Mitchell has cashed this wager in 15 of his last 20 games. Coming off a poor shooting performance, the Raptors should present him with the perfect bounce-back opportunity.
Barnes under 12.5 rebounds + assists (-120): Barnes’ supporting stats have taken a hit with the Raptors roster returning to full strength.
The trio of Barnes, R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are finally sharing the court, which has moved Barnes away from the playmaker role and into his primary role as a power forward.
He failed to surpass this number in each of the three games since Quickley returned.
With Cleveland as 15-point favourites and it being the second game of a back-to-back, it’s possible Barnes sits out for large chunks of the fourth quarter.
Picks made at 11:05 a.m. ET 01/09/2025.
