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Read Article 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 will square off with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their 2026 NBA Playoffs series at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulations and today’s injury news, 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 stars like Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, while the Cavaliers will rely on Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley.
This article offers a closer look at 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 innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA Playoffs game between the Cavaliers and Raptors, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model currently gives the Cavaliers a 61% chance of beating the Raptors in Game 3 of the series. Our predicted final score has the Cavaliers winning 112-108.
According to our model, the Cavaliers (-3.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 220.5 points has a 51% chance of going over.
Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 3 odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Cavaliers | Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -3.5 (-105) | +3.5 (-125) |
| Moneyline | -146 | +125 |
| Total | o220.5 (-106) | u220.5 (-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 | Cavaliers -3.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Cavaliers | -146 |
| Total | Over 220.5 | -106 |
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
NBA prop bets are a great way to wager on Thursday's Cavaliers vs. Raptors game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available 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 23 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 | 43 |
| Evan Mobley | 17 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 38 |
| Jarrett Allen | 13 | 8 | 2 | 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 | 23 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 40 |
| RJ Barrett | 21 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 38 |
| Scottie Barnes | 20 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 48 |
| S. Mamukelashvili | 10 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 22 |
| Ja'Kobe Walter | 10 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 21 |
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 begin 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 elimination tournament held to determine the league's champion.
Sixteen teams, including the Cavaliers and Raptors, made the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which includes 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 advancing to the next round until a champion is crowned.
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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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