🏀 Raptors vs. Cavaliers Player Props Today: NBA Playoffs Expert Picks for Game 1
📡 SBR Edge: Harden Makes 3+ 3-Pointers
My Raptors vs. Cavaliers player props for Game 1 on Saturday feature James Harden Over 2.5 three-pointers made (-135). He has attempted eight-plus 3-pointers in each of his last three contests against the Raptors. I wrap up my NBA best bets with Scottie Barnes Under 17.5 points (-118), as he has gone under this number in six of his last eight games.
π Best Raptors vs. Cavaliers player props: NBA Playoffs Game 1
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds for the playoffs.
| π° Pick | π‘ Best odds | βοΈ Bet size | π§ Why I'm making this bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Harden Over 2.5 three-pointers made | -135 via BetMGM | 1.35u -> 1u | Has 8+ 3PA in each of his last 3 games vs. TOR |
| Scottie Barnes Under 17.5 points | -118 via BetMGM | 1.18u -> 0.5u | Has gone Under in 6 of his last 8 games |
Total wagered: 2.53 units | Max profit: 1.5 units
π° Best Raptors vs. Cavaliers prop bet
The Cavaliers have the fifth-shortest odds to win the NBA Finals.
James Harden Over 2.5 three-pointers made (-135)
Not only is Harden shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc this season, but he also gets plenty of opportunities to shoot 3-pointers when he plays the Raptors.
He has attempted eight or more 3-pointers in each of his last three meetings with Toronto, including 15 attempts the last time he faced it on Jan. 16.
If Harden attempts eight-plus 3-pointers on Saturday, we will likely cash this bet. Harden Over 2.5 three-pointers made is -135 at BetMGM, but I would be comfortable playing this up to -160 on the best sports betting sites.
🏀 More NBA player props for Saturday
I feature Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards in my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets player props.
James Harden player prop trends
Here's a closer look at James Harden's recent form and how he's fared historically against the Raptors:
| Bet | Best odds | Last 5 games | Last 5 vs. Raptors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 21.5 points | -110 via DraftKings | 1-4 β | 4-1 β |
| Over 4.5 rebounds | -145 via BetMGM | 1-4 β | 4-1 β |
| Over 7.5 assists | +100 via FanDuel | 0-5 β | 3-2 β |
| Over 2.5 three-pointers made | -135 via BetMGM | 3-2 β | 0-5 β |
I wouldnβt be discouraged by Harden going under this line in his last five games against the Raptors, as his poor shooting performances against Toronto have mostly been noise, in my opinion.
π₯ More Raptors vs. Cavaliers prop picks
Our NBA playoff series odds break down the first-round matchups.
Scottie Barnes Under 17.5 points (-118)
Barnes has been underwhelming as a scorer lately. He has scored 15 or fewer points in six of his last eight games, including back-to-back 10-point outings from April 3β5.
Heβs averaging just 11.4 field-goal attempts per game in April and has attempted 11 or fewer shots in two of his last three outings. Barnes Under 17.5 points is -118 at BetMGM, but I would play this up to -135 on the best sports betting apps.
Our C Jackson Cowart offers a best bet at +250 odds for this series in his Raptors vs. Cavaliers series odds.
π Raptors vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay
With such a large spread for a playoff game, betting the Under on Barnes' points shouldn't drastically decrease the Raptors' odds of covering. Bet365 thinks parlaying his Under with Raptors +8 should pay +310 - I think it should be lower. FanDuel offers the same parlay at +284.
💵 Raptors vs. Cavaliers SGP picks
- Raptors +8
- Barnes Under 18.5 points
Best odds: +310 via bet365 (0.32u -> 1u)
π΅ My betting record for NBA picks
All NBA picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since Feb. 10.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 113-135-4 | -19.06 units β | -6.9% β |
| Player props | 102-103-4 | -20.49 units β | -7.9% β |
| Parlays | 8-30 | +0.08 units β | 0.7% β |
| Spreads | 2-1 | +1.4 units β | 35.9% β |
| Totals | 1-1 | -0.05 units β | -4.5% β |
π‘ How I'm betting Raptors vs. Cavaliers: NBA Playoffs Game 1 strategy
Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.
I risked 1.35 units on Harden's player prop because, while I like the bet directionally, BetMGM's price is too low compared to other sportsbooks.
I risked 1.18 units on Barnes' points prop because it has been cashing pretty consistently lately, but I would've been more aggressive if I could've found a 19.5. I would be willing to risk up to 2.5 units per bet if I believed the edges were larger.
π Raptors vs. Cavaliers injuries: Game 1
π Raptors vs. Cavaliers projected lineups
Here are Saturday's projected lineups for Raptors vs. Cavaliers; lineups subject to change:
| Position | Raptors | Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Point Guard | Quickley (questionable) | Harden |
| Shooting Guard | Ingram | Mitchell |
| Small Forward | Barrett | Wade |
| Power Forward | Barnes | Mobley |
| Center | Poeltl | Allen |
πΊ How to watch Raptors vs. Cavaliers: Game 1
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Tipoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Rocket Arena (Cleveland)
- TV: Streaming on Prime Video
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