Raptors Host Cavs in Atlantic Action Friday

Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

The NBA Atlantic Division is a two team race between the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors hold a three game lead over Brooklyn as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday while the Nets are idle. Toronto is the only team in the division with a winning record at 29-25. Perhaps it is because they are the only team based outside the United States, or perhaps it is because the other teams in their division play is major TV and media markets, but the Raptors are the least known about team in the division.  So here are some of their leading players:

DeMar DeRozan averages over 22 points per game. Jonas Valenciunas leads them with nearly nine rebounds per game. Amir Johnson leads them in field goal percentage at 55%. Other names you may know on the team include Patrick Patterson, a former Kentucky Wildcats star and Tyler Hansbrough, a former national championship winning star for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Grievas Vasquez is one of the leaders off of Toronto’s bench.

Other games involving the Atlantic Division on Monday include the New York Knicks at the Orlando Magic, The Dallas Mavericks at the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Celtics Lakers rivalry is the most storied in the NBA. The two have met in multiple NBA Finals and have combined for 33 NBA World Championships. It is rare when the two meet and neither team is in contention, but they will tonight. Still, whenever these two franchises meet, it is a big game for their fans. Look for both teams to bring their best effort tonight.

Bovada has odds on tonight’s Atlantic games:

Cleveland at Toronto– The Cavs are +7.5 -105 and the Raptors are +7.5 -115 ATS. We will go with the Cavs +7.5 -105. Cleveland has a pretty tough team despite the record.

Dallas at Philadelphia– Dallas is -12 -115 and Philly is +12 -105. ATS. Philly has packed it in for the season. They waved the white flag when they dealt Evan Turner to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. We will go with Dallas -12 -115.

New York at Orlando– Knicks are -2.5 -115 and the Magic are +2.5 -105 ATS. The Magic can be tough at home. We will go with them. Take the Magic +2.5 -105.

Boston at Los Angeles Lakers– They do not have odds up on this game as of yet. We will keep checking back to see if they post them later in the day.