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Cavaliers vs. Raptors prediction: Cleveland to win, Donovan Mitchell projected for big game in Game 3 [2026 NBA Playoffs]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors predictions for NBA Playoffs Thursday.
The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers will lock horns in Game 3 of their NBA Playoffs series at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulations and today’s injury reports, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Cavaliers as the most likely winner of the Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3 matchup.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Raptors lineup will feature players like Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, while the Cavaliers will look to Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Cavs vs. Raptors prediction: Who will win Game 3?
Using powerful machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA Playoffs game between the Cavaliers and Raptors, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Cavaliers a 61% chance of beating the Raptors in Game 3 of the series. Our predicted final score has the Cavaliers winning 112-109.
According to our model, the Cavaliers (-2.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 221.5 points has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3 odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Cavaliers | Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -2.5 (-114) | +2.5 (-102) |
| Moneyline | -148 | +134 |
| Total | o221.5 (-112) | u221.5 (-108) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Cavaliers vs. Raptors picks and best bet for Game 3
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Raptors +2.5 | -102 |
| Moneyline | Cavaliers | -148 |
| Total | Under 221.5 | -108 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Cavaliers to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3 player props
Betting on Cavaliers vs. Raptors NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Scotiabank Arena.
Donovan Mitchell is expected to lead the Cavaliers with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, while Brandon Ingram is projected to have 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the Raptors.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Cavaliers prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Cavaliers are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D. Mitchell | 28 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 47 |
| James Harden | 21 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 44 |
| Evan Mobley | 17 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 38 |
| Jarrett Allen | 13 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
| Max Strus | 10 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 21 |
Raptors prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Raptors:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | 22 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 39 |
| RJ Barrett | 21 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 38 |
| Scottie Barnes | 20 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 47 |
| I. Quickley | 13 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 27 |
| S. Mamukelashvili | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 22 |
Cavs vs. Raptors Game 3 updates and essential details
Thursday's Game 3 between the Raptors and Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs is scheduled to commence at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
- Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: Scotiabank Arena
- NBA Playoffs bracket: Updated NBA Playoffs bracket and schedule
The NBA Playoffs is an annual postseason tournament held to decide the league's champion.
Sixteen teams, including the Cavaliers and Raptors, reached the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which spans four rounds: the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals.
Each round is contested as a best-of-seven series, with the first team to four wins moving on to the next round until a champion is crowned.
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Make the most of Dimers' Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions by exploring the below offer from Novig.
Conclusion
We predict the Cavaliers, with a 61% win probability, will likely beat the Raptors in Thursday's NBA playoffs matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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