Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors) Under 9.5 Rebounds (-345)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Toronto Raptors roll into Cleveland, all eyes should be on Jakob Poeltl, specifically his rebounding numbers. While his averages suggest a solid effort, recent trends tell a different story. Over the last five games, he's pulled down an average of just 3.6 boards overall, and when playing away, that number creeps up slightly to 4.4. This matchup against the Cavaliers could further complicate things for him; they've been a tough opponent for rebounders, magnified by Poeltl's last five outings where he averaged 11 rebounds against them. However, that's a good indicator of past performance rather than current form. With the Raptors on the road, Poeltl's production has dipped, and given an expected stat value of just 6.4, taking the under on 9.5 rebounds feels like a smart play. The odds are certainly in our favor, with a robust hit rate backing this wager.

Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) Under 9.5 Rebounds (-345)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Raptors head into Cleveland, all eyes are on Scottie Barnes, but the numbers tell a compelling story that leans towards the under on his rebounds at 9.5. While he boasts an impressive average of 10.4 rebounds against the Cavaliers, let's dig deeper. In recent performances, Barnes has averaged just 4.4 rebounds on the road - a stark contrast to his home court prowess. Over the last 15 games, he's hit the under in 14 instances, and remarkably, he's been perfect away from Toronto. With the Cavaliers likely to control the boards, Barnes might find himself less involved in rebounding than usual. The implied probability of 77.5% strongly suggests that the under is the smart play here. Given his recent struggles and the matchup dynamics, it feels prudent to roll with the under on Scottie Barnes' rebounds this Saturday.

Sam Merrill (Cleveland Cavaliers) Over 8.5 Points (-161)

Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing

As the Cavaliers get set to host the Raptors, all eyes should be on Sam Merrill. With the stage set at home, Merrill has been quietly building momentum, averaging nearly 11 points in his last five games at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. What stands out is his impressive track record-he's hit the over on 8.5 points in 9 of his last 11 outings, illustrating his growing role in the Cavs' offense.Against Toronto, Merrill's scoring average dips slightly to 8 points, but with the home court advantage boosting his confidence, he's poised for a breakout. The numbers suggest he's not just a role player; he's expected to rack up around 14 points based on recent performance trends. With a solid hit rate of 3 out of 4 at home, it seems like a no-brainer to ride the wave and back Merrill to exceed that 8.5 mark.

See All Our Picks

You're viewing a preview. Subscribe today to unlock the full article and gain access to all our expert insights and best bets - every single day.

Get Bet Better Pro