The Cleveland Cavaliers will play against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. This is Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round in the NBA Playoffs. The game is set for Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
The Cavaliers have been strong in the series so far. They lead 2-0 after winning both games at home. In Game 2, they won 115-105, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 30 points. In Game 1, they won 126-113, with Mitchell again leading with 32 points.
The Raptors will look to bounce back at home. They lost both games in Cleveland but had a big win against the Brooklyn Nets before the playoffs. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett have been key players, with Barnes scoring 26 points in Game 2 against the Cavaliers.
Raptors Preview
The Toronto Raptors are led by head coach Darko Rajakovic. They play in the Eastern Conference and are part of the Atlantic Division. During the 2026 regular season, the Raptors had a record of 46 wins and 36 losses. They ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
In the 2026 postseason, the Raptors faced challenges. They lost both games in the Eastern Conference First Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors did not win any games at home or away during this round. Their current streak is two losses in a row.
Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett have been key players for the Raptors. In the recent game against the Cavaliers, Barnes scored 26 points and Barrett added 22 points. The team had a field goal percentage of 50.6% in that game.
Offensively, the Raptors ranked 10th in points per game during the postseason. They had a field goal percentage of 51.3%, which was 4th best. Defensively, they allowed 120.5 points per game, ranking 17th. The team excelled in steals, ranking 3rd with 5.5 steals per game.
Cavaliers Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a solid regular season. They finished with a 52-30 record. At home, they won 27 games and lost 14. Their away record was 25 wins and 16 losses. In the Eastern Conference, they ranked 4th, and in the Central Division, they were 2nd.
In the postseason, the Cavaliers started strong. They have a 2-0 record in the Eastern Conference First Round. Both wins were at home. Their current streak is two wins in a row. This shows they are performing well in the playoffs.
Recent games highlight the Cavaliers’ offensive strength. Against the Toronto Raptors, they scored 115 and 126 points in two games. Key players like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden contributed significantly. Mitchell scored 30 and 32 points in these games, while Harden added 28 and 22 points.
The Cavaliers’ postseason stats are impressive. They average 120.5 points per game, ranking 3rd. Their field goal percentage is 53.7, which is the best. They also excel in three-point shooting, making 14.5 per game. Their defense allows 109 points per game, placing them 11th in this category.
Statistical Breakdown for Raptors vs Cavaliers
Key stats will play a big role in this game. The Cavaliers have a strong offense, leading in field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage. They also score well from three-point range. The Raptors need to improve their defense, as they allow many points. Both teams have similar rebounding numbers, which could impact the outcome.
- Cavaliers Points Per Game: 120.5 (3rd)
- Cavaliers Field Goal Percentage: 53.7 (1st)
- Cavaliers Three Pointers Made Per Game: 14.5 (4th)
- Raptors Points Per Game Allowed: 120.5 (17th)
- Raptors Steals Per Game: 5.5 (3rd)
- Raptors Rebounds Per Game: 34.5 (19th)
Betting Insights
In this upcoming game, bettors have several trends to consider. Both teams have shown patterns in their recent performances that could influence betting decisions. Here are the top five trends to keep in mind:
- The away team has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The home team has hit the over in 3 of their last 4 games.
- The away team has gone under the total in 6 of their last 8 games.
- The home team has covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home games.
- The away team has hit the over in 2 of their last 7 games.
Free Betting Prediction for Raptors vs Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have shown strong performance in the postseason, winning both games against the Raptors. Their offense is effective, with high points per game and the best field goal percentage. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are key players, contributing many points in recent games.
The Raptors have struggled in the postseason, losing both games to the Cavaliers. While Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett have scored well, the team needs to improve defensively. They allow many points, which could be a problem against the Cavaliers’ strong offense.
Considering the current form and stats, the Cavaliers have the edge in this game. Their offense is strong, and they have momentum from recent wins. The Raptors need to tighten their defense to compete effectively.
- Our Free Prediction: Cavaliers -3.0
