CLEVELAND, Ohio — After their first true break of the season, the Cavs will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Having played 17 games in 29 grueling days, the Cavs now begin a more manageable stretch, with 17 games over the next 43 days — or 40 if they reach the NBA Cup Finals.
But this matchup against Toronto will bring new challenges compared to the teams’ season opener.
RJ Barrett, who missed the first meeting with a shoulder injury, has returned to the Raptors’ lineup and Scottie Barnes is back active after a recent return from a right orbital fracture. The Barrett-Barnes duo provides Toronto with a more dynamic offensive attack and added versatility on defense, a test for Cleveland’s rotation already stretched thin due to injuries.
With defensive stoppers Dean Wade (ankle) and Caris LeVert (knee) sidelined, the Cavs’ perimeter defense will be one to keep an eye on. Cleveland will continue to work on improving their perimeter defense while Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley hold down the paint.
The Cavs’ ability to limit open 3-point attempts due to overhelping and second-chance opportunities will be critical as they aim to maintain their strong early-season form.
This game also marks another chapter in the ongoing battle between 2021 draft classmates Mobley and Barnes, who continue to be pivotal figures for their respective teams.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
Series: Second of four matchups in the regular season.
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
When: 7:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavs minus-12.5; O/U 237.5
TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury report
CAVS:
Out:
Dean Wade (ankle); Caris LeVert (knee); Max Strus (ankle); Emoni Bates (knee); JT Thor (two-way).
Questionable:
Isaac Okoro (ankle)
RAPTORS:
Out:
Kelly Olynyk (back); Immanuel Quickley (UCL tear); Bruce Brown (conditioning)
Questionable:
Bruno Fernando (ankle)