The Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) and Toronto Raptors (1-2) will face off in Game 4 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Cavaliers are 3.5-point favorites over the Raptors on the spread (Cavaliers -3.5), with the over/under set at 220.5 total points. Cleveland is a -170 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Toronto is +142 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, April 26.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Prediction
- Cavaliers vs Raptors pick: Over 220.5 (-112)
My Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 4 best bet is on the total to go over 220.5 points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 4 Odds
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 220.5 -112o / -108u | -170 |
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 220.5 -112o / -108u | +142 |
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Cavaliers vs Raptors NBA Playoffs Game 4 Preview
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview, Analysis
I liked the Raptors to hang in this series, and they legitimately had a chance at stealing Game 2 if Brandon Ingram didn't have one of the worst playoff games in existence.
Game 3 was a prototypical “home team finally gets over the hump” game, where the shooting came around for Toronto and it disappeared for the Cavs.
Now, the Raptors made substantial adjustments in Game 3 to get the game where they needed it — playing AJ Lawson less, starting Ja’Kobe Walter, and getting a better offense-defense balance.
I make the spread for this game a pick‘em. I like the matchup for Toronto, just like I did before the series. I genuinely think they can hang in the matchup — but the Game 4 spot is terrible.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview, Analysis
The Cavaliers are likely to regroup and start applying some pressure to RJ Barrett, who has destroyed them.
The Cavs need to figure out how to force some better shot variance on both sides, and they need much better games from their stars.
However, banking on regression is a different story.
I lean significantly toward the Cavaliers, but I think this is a trap-game. I'll be on the Cavs in Game 5, for sure — but I’ll stay away from on the side in this one.
I do think there’s value on the Cavs to win trading at 62c at Kalshi.
Cavaliers vs Raptors Pick, Betting Analysis
Total: Over 220.5
Two-of-three games in this series have gone over the number, and the Raptors have figured out more and more ways to attack the Cavs’ defense as the series has progressed.
I liked the under in Game 2 because I thought the Raptors would make adjustments to slow down the Cavs’ offense, and they did in that game and in Game 3 — but now, it’s Cleveland’s turn to counter, and they’ll find ways to get better looks.
However, I don’t think there’s much the Cavs can do to slow down Toronto, who seemed to figured enough out.
If they put more pressure on Barrett, that’s going to free up Ingram, who they’ve committed a lot of resources to. The five-out nature, combined with adding better shooting options on the floor, has opened things up for Toronto.
Plus, you have to think that eventually, on a long enough timeline, Ingram will have something resembling a respectable offensive playoff game. I’ll take the over here.
Player Prop: Dean Wade Over 4.5 Rebounds & Assists
Dean Wade has gone over this line in back to back games.
Wade is the Cavaliers' answer to Ingram. He fronts him and then when he gets screened, he peels to the spots Ingram wants to get to. He’s done the homework on Ingram and knows his tendencies.
But, Wade simply won’t get enough scoring opportunities. However, he will still rebound and make extra passes on kick-outs.
This is a “minutes X role” angle, and I’ll trust it again in Game 4 today.
Player Prop: Sam Merrill Under 6.5 Points
Sam Merrill is playing off the bench, and the Raptors just moved Jamal Shead to the bench. That means the Cavaliers' bench unit is back to being absolute lockdown.
Merrill went under 6.5 points in the last two games and only had two catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Both opportunities came in the second half, so maybe the Cavs found something — but I think there’s less of a role for Merrill in this series moving forward.
Matt Moore's Cavaliers vs Raptors Best Bets
- Over 220.5 (-112)
- Dean Wade Over 4.5 Rebounds & Assists (-135)
- Sam Merrill Under 6.5 Points (-110)
