The Toronto Raptors will tip off their 2024-25 season in the NBA by hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. Toronto is coming off a 25-57 effort in Darko Rajakovic’s first year as head coach, leaving them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland compiled a 48-34 record and defeated the Orlando Magic in a seven-game series to begin its playoff campaign before falling to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics.
With Wednesday’s game getting underway at 7:30 pm ET, it’s time to break down the season opener and discuss the best bets to make.
- TORONTO RAPTORS +5.5 OVER CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (-112)
- UNDER 221 (-112)
- GRADEY DICK OVER 13.5 POINTS (+102)
Raptors Can Keep It Tight
The Raptors have won two season openers in a row, both at home. They knocked off none other than the Cavaliers 108-105 in 2022-23 before beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-94 last year. There is no doubt that Cleveland was – and still is – the superior team on paper and the same goes for Minnesota. However, there is more parity at the start of any season than at the end; even the best rosters in the league take time to gel and fire on all cylinders.
As for Toronto’s general outlook in 2023-24, both youth and depth look good. Scottie Barnes took a big step with 19.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 6.1 apg last year, while he picked up sidekicks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in the midseason trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. Quickley delivered 18.7 ppg in 38 games – all starts – with his new team. It’s also worth noting that the Cavaliers will be without starting shooting guard Max Strus due to an ankle injury. A spread of +5.5 should be enough for the home team to cover.
TORONTO RAPTORS +5.5 OVER CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (-112)
Defensive Effort Should Count
It’s no secret that little defense is played in the NBA throughout much of the regular season before the intensity ramps up in the playoffs. Well, this obviously isn’t the playoffs – but this will be a high-energy showdown. After all, it’s the first game of the season and both teams will come out rested and ready to go. Moreover, it’s not like these two teams are offensive juggernauts. Nobody on the Raptors’ roster at the end of last season averaged more than 21.8 ppg. Toronto scored the fifth-fewest points at home during the 2023-24 campaign, while Cleveland scored the seventh-fewest points on the road. Under 221 looks like the best way to play this game.
UNDER 221 (-112)
Dick Will Build On Rookie Season
Not too long after the departure of Anunoby, Dick broke into the starting lineup and really stepped up. The Kansas product scored in double-figures in 10 of his last 12 games, including more than 20 on three of those occasions. Dick’s preseason numbers were encouraging, as well. The 20-year-old averaged 19.0 points over the final three contests while forking up 18, 21 and 14 attempts from the floor. Dick is not afraid to assume a sizable role in this offense, which should help him exceed his 13.5 points quota on Wednesday.
GRADEY DICK OVER 13.5 POINTS (+102)
