Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers December 23 Betting Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (22-11) handled the Milwaukee Bucks with ease in their last game, as they proved that they are indeed a bonafide contender for a championship.

The Toronto Raptors (14-18) snapped a six-game losing streak their last time out with a win over the New York Knicks.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Cavs took down the Bucks their last time out, which drew the praise from a former MVP and one of the best players in the league.

"The Cavs are very, very dangerous," Giannis Antetokounmpo said. "They have great players and a great system. I don't see any reason for them not to get into the playoffs and have a good run — not against us, though."

The Cavs were a borderline playoff team last season, but with the addition of Donovan Mitchell, that has helped catapult them towards the top of their conference.

"With the addition of Mitchell, everyone has the ultimate respect for those guys," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "They're not surprising anyone at this point, they've earned everyone's respect around the league."

Mitchell went off for 36 points and dished out six assists in the Cavs' huge win, as Spida continues to prove that he's one of the best scorers in the league with his ability to score from all three levels.

Darius Garland chipped in 23 points, and Jarrett Allen provided 19 points and eight rebounds.

When the Cavs have it going both offensively and defensively, which was the case in their last game, they are truly tough to beat.

Toronto Raptors Betting Preview

Many people had expected the Raptors to build off of last season and earn a high seed in the Eastern Conference this season.

However, things have regressed a bit in Toronto, as certain players have been hitting a wall and unable to take the next step that they were supposed to take.

Pascal Siakam is trying his best to keep his team afloat, though, as he finished with 52 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the Raptors' big-time victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

While the Raptors don't look so good in the standings right now, they will still play with pace and physicality, which makes them a tough out night in and night out. Their defense will still also suffocate their opponents.

Odds

The Cavs are favored by a -4 spread, as they'll be the home team yet again.

The Raptors have struggled on the road this season, whereas the Cavs have largely been able to protect home court.

Expect the Cavs to continue to protect their homecourt and take advantage of an easier opponent as they hope to get closer to earning the top record in the Eastern Conference.