This pick was released to clients on May 23, 2023 at 11:21AM ET.
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Cleveland at Toronto

May 23, 2016
img8:35 PM Eastern
Premium Pick
1 unit on Cleveland -250 (moneyline) (risk 1 to return 1.4)
Result:
LOSS
1 unit on Game Total UNDER 198 -115 (risk 1 to return 1.87)
Result:
LOSS

A pivotal Game 4, so expect both defenses to shine. These teams are allowing roughly three points per game less than they did during the regular season, which is common come playoff time as coaches demand intense defense. These teams were tops in the East during the regular season in points allowed, plus Top 4 in the NBA. Toronto is home and will play intense defense with so much at stake, on a 20-9 run UNDER the total against the Eastern Conference, plus 14-6 UNDER after a victory. But will they have enough offense to tie the series up? Starting center Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) is still sidelined, with little depth behind Bismack Biyombo, and the team is on a 4-10 spread run. The Raptors posted a 99-84 home victory over the Cavaliers on Saturday, when they limited Cleveland to 35.4 percent shooting from the field. Talented and deep Cleveland is in bounce back mode. LeBron James did his part the last game, but got no help from point guard Kyrie Irving (3-of-19 shooting) and forward Kevin Love (three points, 1-of-9), who were awful. Those guys won't play as poorly on offense. Cleveland is 49-23 UNDER the total against the Atlantic Division, plus 16-6 ATS against a team with a winning percentage above .600. With the talented Cavaliers matching up well, and with a chip on their shoulder, plus the UNDER being 22-5-1 when they meet in Toronto, look for the visitors to win the game in a defensive duel. Play Cleveland on the moneyline and UNDER the total.

FINAL
1
2
3
4
F
Cleveland Cavaliers
24
17
28
30
99
Toronto Raptors img
27
30
21
27
105
consensus consensus
odds odds
 
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