The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Scotiabank Arena to open their season against the Toronto Raptors on October 23, 2024. Both teams will look to kick off the 2024-25 NBA season on a positive note, though injury concerns will loom large. Cleveland aims to build on last season’s playoff performance, while Toronto will try to bounce back after a challenging 2023-24 campaign marred by injuries.
About the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers come into this game missing key player Max Strus, who is sidelined for at least six weeks due to a sprained ankle. This absence disrupts Cleveland’s core lineup, which includes Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Last season, the Cavaliers’ starting group faced multiple injury setbacks, playing only 28 games together.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson faces the challenge of finding the right replacement for Strus. Options include Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, and Isaac Okoro, who will look to step up in the absence of the sharpshooter. Atkinson remains confident in the team’s depth, stating the importance of adaptability early in the season.
Despite the early adversity, Cleveland’s primary weapons remain Garland and Mitchell. Garland, known for his playmaking, averaged over 21 points and seven assists last season. Mitchell continues to be one of the league’s premier scorers, and the dynamic backcourt hopes to lead the Cavs to another postseason run.
About the Toronto Raptors
The Raptors enter this matchup with several injury concerns of their own. RJ Barrett, dealing with a shoulder injury, participated in non-contact practices leading up to the game but remains doubtful. Kelly Olynyk will also sit out with back issues, further thinning Toronto’s rotation.
Toronto’s core group—Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Barrett—returns after battling injuries last season. Barnes and Poeltl missed significant time toward the end of the previous campaign, limiting their ability to gel as a unit. Head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the need for chemistry, especially with a roster that saw heavy rotation last year, using a franchise-record 30 players.
Toronto’s offense will lean heavily on Barnes, who has shown flashes of brilliance. Poeltl’s presence in the paint will be critical, as the Raptors look to control the boards and limit Cleveland’s second-chance opportunities. Immanuel Quickley, coming off a preseason injury, is expected to provide scoring off the bench.
Pick & Prediction
The Cavaliers enter the matchup as 6.5-point favorites, and their dynamic backcourt gives them the edge against a Raptors team dealing with injury issues. Toronto’s key players, including Barrett and Olynyk, may not be at full strength, making it difficult to keep up with Cleveland’s offensive firepower.
Look for Cleveland’s guard duo of Garland and Mitchell to exploit Toronto’s backcourt, especially with Barrett out. The Raptors will need a big game from Barnes and Poeltl to stay competitive, but Cleveland’s depth and early season motivation give them the upper hand.
- Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -6.5
- Prediction: Cleveland 114, Toronto 103
