What To Expect In Third Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors Matchup

Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned their eighth consecutive victory with a 118-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Wine and Gold own the NBA’s longest active winning streak, and have won a staggering 16 of their last 17 games.

Tonight, Cleveland will end a three-game road trip when they face the Toronto Raptors.

Here are four things to expect in the third meeting between these two teams this regular season.

1. Revenge on Cleveland’s Mind

The Cavaliers and Raptors last met on New Year’s Day in Toronto, where a game that came down to the wire ended with a 124-121 defeat for Cleveland.

This loss was one of just two for the Wine and Gold this calendar year so far, as the Wine and Gold are currently an NBA-best 16-2 in 2024.

2. A Prove-It Game for Jarrett Allen

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen will have a chance to prove why he should have been an injury replacement for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

This past Tuesday, Raptors forward Scottie Barnes was one of two Eastern Conference injury replacements chosen by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

3. A Different Raptors Team (Again)

After Cleveland faced Toronto on January 1, when both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley made their Raptors debut, the Wine and Gold will once again face a different Toronto team.

Pascal Siakam, who averaged 27.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in two contests against the Cavaliers this season, was traded to the Indiana Pacers last month.

4. More Free Throws for Toronto

In their two meetings so far this season, the Raptors have shot an average of 24.5-for-34.5 (71.0%) from the free throw line.

On the contrary, Cleveland has shot an average of 14.0-for-16.0 (87.5%) from the free throw line.