Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview: 2025 NBA Emirates Cup Showdown
Eastern Conference teams aiming to strengthen their early playoff positioning will clash as the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers meet for the first time in the 2025 NBA Emirates Cup on Friday. The Raptors enter the matchup on a four-game skid with a 1-4 record, sitting 12th in the East, while the Cavaliers are fifth at 3-2, coming off a 20-point defeat to the Boston Celtics.
Here’s a preview of Friday’s Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers game, scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Odds Overview
- Moneyline: Raptors (+110) vs Cavaliers (-130)
- Spread: Raptors +1.5 (-105) vs Cavaliers -1.5 (-115)
- Total (O/U): Raptors o234.5 (-110) vs Cavaliers u234.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
After opening the season with a commanding 138-118 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Raptors have dropped four straight games. Losses to the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets have come by an average margin of 13.0 points per game.
During this stretch, Toronto has struggled mightily on defense, posting the league’s second-worst defensive rating (125.8). They currently rank last in defensive rebounds and sit fourth-worst in blocks. Additionally, the Raptors have allowed 57.5 points in the paint per game, which is the third-most in the NBA.
The Cavaliers, however, are not exactly dominant defensively either, ranking second-worst in paint scoring defense by allowing 40.0 points per game. Still, Cleveland could outperform its usual production against a shaky Toronto frontline.
The Cavs boast the formidable interior duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who combine for 32.4 points per game and 16.2 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell continues his elite scoring pace, averaging 28 points per game.
Availability remains a concern for Cleveland, as both Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell are listed as questionable for Friday’s game. Sam Merrill is ruled out alongside Max Strus and Darius Garland.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Toronto Raptors
- G: Immanuel Quickley
- G: RJ Barrett
- F: Brandon Ingram
- F: Scottie Barnes
- C: Collin Murray-Boyles
Cleveland Cavaliers
- G: Jaylon Tyson
- G: Donovan Mitchell
- F: De’Andre Hunter
- F: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Editor’s note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.
Betting Tips
- Donovan Mitchell O/U 28.5 points: Take the under.
- Evan Mobley O/U 20.5 points: Take the over.
- Jarrett Allen O/U 14.5 points: Take the over.
- Immanuel Quickley O/U 15.5 points: Take the over.
Prediction
Expect the Cavaliers to exploit Toronto’s interior weaknesses and turn scoring inside—one of their own shortcomings—into an advantage. Cleveland should capitalize on mismatches down low to snap back into the win column.
Our prediction: Cavaliers win by 13.