Raptors vs Cavaliers predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 18

The Toronto Raptors (46-36) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30) during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Cleveland added James Harden this season and with him in the lineup, Cleveland went 18-6 and he averaged 20. 6 points, 7.

8 assists, and 5. 0 rebounds per game. The Cavaliers in the Donovan Mitchell era have yet to make it past the second round and neither has Harden dating back to 2017-18.

Toronto went 3-0 versus Cleveland this season with wins of 11, 13, and 11 points — all double digits. The Raptors have not been in the playoffs in 2022-23 and has not made it past the first round since 2019-20. The Raptors finished the regular season with the fifth-rated defense and 15th ranked offense.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of  DraftKings  recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage.