This one is pretty important, even getting the rare nod from ESPN!

The Raptors (34-29, 7th in East) begin their six game road trip against the Cavs (36-27, 6th in East) who are currently holding the East’s final guaranteed playoff spot two games ahead. Cleveland won the first two matchups so the best Toronto can do is a series split. The first game was thrilling but heartbreaking as Scottie Barnes game’ winning tip attempt needed just a little more to fall. Boxing Day’s rematch featured zero regular starters for Toronto during the peak of Covid protocols as the Raps suffered a 45 point defeat, their worst of the season.

Both teams come into this one spiraling. Cleveland has lost six of its last seven after being 14 games over .500, while Toronto is 2-4 since the all-star break. Each team lost to Detroit and got blown out by Charlotte recently. However the Cavs showed positive signs in their last game despite blowing a 21 point lead to new-look Philly. Meanwhile nobody except Pascal Siakam could consistently buy a basket against the lowly Magic.

There are several questions. First of all Cleveland is huge which will test an already anemic offence as of late, but the Raptors won the rebounding battle in the first matchup (+6). Scottie and Khem Birch alone accounted for 13 of Toronto’s 19 offensive boards. The other issue is who matches up with all-star Darius Garland? Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn are both listed as questionable. Garland is coming off a career-high 19 assists vs the 76ers. He’s also averaging 28.6 points over his last five games, shooting over 50 percent both from the field and three.

Player to Watch

It’s another draft battle and arguably the top two candidates for rookie for the year. Cade Cunningham and Franz Wagner may think otherwise though.

Evan Mobley: 14.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.8 spg 1.7 bpg (49/25/68 shooting splits)

Scottie Barnes: 14.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.8 bpg (48/31/74 shooting splits)

Mobley was more efficient in the first matchup with 18 points, making half his shots. Scottie had 14 on 7-19 shooting but managed to flip Jarrett Allen over, so add some style points.

https://twitter.com/DimeUPROXX/status/1456799557132640265

Game Info

Tip-Off: 7:30pm EST | TV: Sportsnet, ESPN | Radio: Sportsnet 590

Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries

Previous Results

vs MagicL103-97

vs PistonsL108-106

vs NetsW109-108

@ NetsW133-97

@ HawksL127-100

Probable Lineup

PF: P. Siakam, T. Young, C. Boucher

SF: S. Barnes, Y. Watanabe, J. Champagnie

C: K. Birch, P. Achiuwa

PG: M. Flynn, D. Banton

SG: G. Trent Jr., S. Mykhailiuk, I. Bonga

Injuries

David Johnson, PG – Out moreJohnson (knee) is out Sunday against the Cavaliers, Blake Murphy of The Athletic reports.

D.J. Wilson, F – Out moreWilson (knee) is out Sunday against Cleveland, Blake Murphy of The Athletic reports.

Fred VanVleet, SG – Questionable moreVanVleet (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers, Blake Murphy of The Athletic reports.

Malachi Flynn, PG – Day-To-Day

OG Anunoby, SF – Out moreAnunoby (finger) is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Cleveland Cavaliers Results, Lineups & Injuries

Previous Results

@ 76ers L 125-119

vs Hornets L 119-98

vs Timberwolves L 127-122

vs Wizards W 92-86

@ Pistons L 106-103

Probable Lineup

PF: E. Mobley, K. Love, L. Stevens, D. Wade

SF: L. Markkanen, C. Osman

C: J. Allen, E. Davis

PG: D. Garland, T. Frazier

SG: I. Okoro, B. Goodwin, R. Nembhard Jr.

Injuries

Rajon Rondo, PG – Doubtful moreRondo (toe) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Raptors.

Caris LeVert, SG – Doubtful moreLeVert (foot) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Raptors.

Collin Sexton, PG – Out moreSexton (knee) will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his left meniscus tear, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Betting Lines

tor		cle
+4.5	Spread	-4.5
—	Money Line	—
Over/Under 209.5

My over/under prediction (12-11 this season): The Cavs have given up at least 119 points during their three game slide which is surprising, given they have the league’s fourth best defensive rating. 210 is a low enough branch to convince me to bet the over. I don’t have a good feeling about the game result though.

Raptors 102, Cavs 110