LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will play host to the Toronto Raptors at the Quicken Loans Arena for Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals, scheduled for an 8:35 PM tip-off, to be aired on ESPN. The two teams enter on differing notes. Cleveland is well-rested after pulling off a second consecutive sweep against the Atlanta Hawks in the Conference Semifinals. Toronto enters on short rest after going the distance against the Miami Heat and emerging victorious.The betting lines for Game 1 opened with the Cavs a -10.5 point spread favorite with the O/U line listed at 202.
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Already Toronto has been given a slim chance of winning this series. Series winner numbers have the Raps posting at 7:1. While LeBron may be one of the best players in the NBA, the Raptors have arguably the second best backcourt in the league with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. We can’t sing their praises enough and the all-star tandem showcased their talent in the Conference Semifinals propelling Toronto in to uncharted waters. Lowry went for 35 points on Sunday in a clutch rout of Miami in the Air Canada Centre. When you take LeBron James out of the equation, Cleveland’s remaining four is composed of two good skill players and a run of the mill guard and center. Raptors forward DeMare Carroll will be a formidable test for James, as he had plenty of experience guarding the Cleveland alpha dog in the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals.
As we would expect with a name brand like LeBron James, there is often a hefty price assessed for any taker wishing to back the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, the Cavs are 42-45-3 against the spread, despite posting the best record in the Eastern Conference at 65-25 SU. Toronto is nip and tuck with the Cavs, as they are 64-32 SU. Against the spread, the Raps have been far more economical at 50-46.
A huge amount are in on Cleveland; 84% of the public have jumped on the Cavaliers against the spread. Conversely, on the Money Line, 92% have taken Cleveland who is -675 requiring enormous juice. 59% of the public are on the under for a Total Line currently at 201.5.
