Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors 3/24/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors Matchup Preview (3/24/22)
The Cleveland Cavaliers (41-31) take on the Toronto Raptors (40-32) in a battle that likely affects playoff seeding. The 7th seed Raptors are only one game back of the 6th seed Cavaliers, and the 6th seed avoids the play-in. If the Raptors can win this game, they would be tied with Cleveland. The Cavaliers are 6-8 since the All-Star break with the 17th Offensive Rating and 23rd Defensive Rating. They just lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 131-120 in a duel between Darius Garland (29 points, 16 assists) and LeBron James (38 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists). Lauri Markkanen canned four threes for 18 points. Lamar Stevens scored an efficient 16 points on 8/12 from the field. Russell Westbrook continued his recent hot streak for the Lakers and added 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists on 50 FG%. Veteran Daniel Augustin scored 20 points on 6/6 from three off the Lakers bench. Against the Raptors, the Cavaliers will be without All-Star Jarrett Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Dean Wade.
The Raptors are 8-7 since the All-Star break with the 23rd Offensive Rating and 8th Defensive Rating over that span. They are coming off a disappointing 113-98 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The Raptors shot an atrocious 6/32 (18.8%) from three. Fred VanVleet produced 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on 31.8 FG%. Pascal Siakam scored 22 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and facilitated 4 assists. Off the bench, Chris Boucher posted a double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds). However, the Bulls dynamic duo were relentless. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine both scored 26 points each on a combined 20/32 (62.5%) from the field. OG Anunoby, who has missed the past 15 games, is probable to play, although he will likely be on a minutes restriction. Gary Trent Jr has been ruled out, which is a huge loss.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
The Cavaliers are 3-0 against the Raptors this season with the most recent game being a 104-96 win on March 6th. Lauri Markkanen (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Evan Mobley (20 points, 17 rebounds) terrorized the Raptors and produced double-doubles. In this final matchup, I like the Cavaliers to sweep the season series. The Raptors will be forced to play their jumbo lineup often because Gary Trent Jr is out. It won’t work against a Cavs team that has extreme versatility with their big men. Anunoby boosts the Raptors on paper, but I don’t know how effective he will be considering he is returning from injury. This game won’t be a display of high-powered offense with both teams scoring 120+ points. The Raptors have struggled to score the ball, but they have been excellent defensively. The Cavaliers’ defense is shaky but not terrible without Allen, and the offense is not explosive. Both teams play at a slow pace, and I expect neither team to break 115 points here.
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TV Schedule
Date: 3/24/22
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
Channel: NBA League Pass
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Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup
PG: Darius Garland
SG: Isaac Okoro
SF: Lamar Stevens
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Evan Mobley
Cleveland Cavaliers Analysis
The engine for the Cavaliers is undoubtedly point guard Darius Garland, who is averaging 26.7 PPG and 10.1 APG in his last 14 games. He excels in the pick and roll because of his court vision and tight handles. Defenses must play him tight because he is one of the best players in the NBA at shooting off the dribble. Allen’s ability to roll to the basket is a huge threat combined with Garland’s shooting, and the Cavaliers are sorely missing this aspect. Evan Mobley hasn’t replicated Allen’s success, which allows teams to key in on Garland even more. Lauri Markkanen has thrived in a larger offensive role, going for 16.2 PPG in his last 14 games on a 45.7 FG% and 39.4 3PT%. His catch and shoot abilities strain the defense and force quick decisions for defenders.
The X factor for the Cavaliers is Caris LeVert. He’s struggled with his shot since coming to the team, but he’s capable of dropping 25 points on any given night. Even if he doesn’t start, LeVert can sway this game and provide microwave scoring. This Cleveland bench is surprisingly deep and effective at cutting leads. Cedi Osman and Kevin Love are spot up threats who can space the floor. LeVert’s ball handling and playmaking is crucial for a team that lacks playmakers outside of Garland.
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Scottie Barnes
SF: OG Anunoby
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Khem Birch
Toronto Raptors Analysis
Gary Trent Jr and OG Anunoby are desperately needed for this big man heavy Raptors team. They were playing Pascal Siakam, Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa at the same time against the Bulls because of injuries. That lineup is clunky and has no range to space the floor. Defensively, they were obliterated because Birch and Achiuwa cannot flash out to the perimeter. Because Trent Jr cannot play, then Lauri Markkanen is going to terrorize the Raptors all night. They won’t be able to guard him on the perimeter at all.
The X factor for the Raptors is point guard Fred VanVleet. In his last six games, he is producing 17.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 5.3 APG on a dreadful 35/25/84 shooting split. The Raptors require VanVleet to turn in a great two-way performance against the Raptors. He’s an outstanding playmaker in the pick and roll who can also play off-ball. His on-ball defense on Darius Garland is likely the biggest factor in determining the Raptors success. VanVleet won’t be able to stop Garland, but limiting him to 20 points and 7 assists would be a win. VanVleet’s defensive contributions are arguably more important than his offensive ones, but both would significantly boost the Raptors chances.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors Daily Fantasy Picks
I like Darius Garland and Pascal Siakam in this matchup. While VanVleet is a pesky defender, I don’t see him severely stalling Garland’s offense. His shot is too silky for VanVleet to seriously hinder his offensive output. The Cavaliers are centered around Garland, and it’s usually beneficial to pick a high efficiency player with a large volume. Siakam, meanwhile, is a focal point for this Raptors offense. He always contributes in the rebounds and assists department also. I like him to have a big game here. A cheaper option is rookie Scottie Barnes. He’s averaging 15.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 3.4 APG on a 48.7 FG% in his last 15 games. Barnes has the ability to stuff the box score and contribute in multiple ways, which is always a plus in fantasy.
