The home team has been the story of this series, and Game 5 was no exception. Cleveland took a commanding 3-2 series lead with a 125-120 win, led by James Harden's all-around performance—23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. But now the Cavaliers face their toughest test yet: winning on the road.
Here's the catch—Cleveland has been a completely different team away from home. They boast the second-best offensive net rating at home this postseason, but that drops to third-worst on the road. Their three-point shooting falls off a cliff in Toronto, connecting on just 28.2% from deep, and they're coughing up 20 turnovers per game away from home—third-worst among all playoff teams.
Toronto, meanwhile, has been a fortress. The Raptors won Games 3 and 4 at home by 22 and 4 points, respectively. Their scoring has been a two-man show, with either Scottie Barnes or RJ Barrett leading the way in every game. Both players even recorded double-doubles in the Game 5 loss, showing they're ready to force a Game 7 back in Cleveland on Sunday.
One glaring weakness for Toronto? Free throws. The Raptors are shooting just 68.4% from the line at home—the worst mark of any team in the playoffs. That could be a crucial factor in a tight, high-stakes game.
Let's break down what matters most tonight: lineups, injuries, and how these trends shape the odds and total. According to DraftKings, the spread opened with Cleveland favored by 3.5 points, with the moneyline at Cavaliers (-192) and Raptors (+160).
With the series on the line, expect both teams to bring their best. The Raptors will look to protect home court and keep their season alive, while the Cavaliers aim to close it out and avoid the pressure of a Game 7. Whether you're a fan of the game or just love the playoff intensity, this one has all the makings of a classic.
