Story perspectives

Cavaliers Edge Raptors 125-120, Take 3-2 Lead

5/2/2026

Summary

Cavaliers Lead

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Toronto Raptors 125-120 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead.
James Harden posted 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Cleveland.
Immanuel Quickley was out with a hamstring for the rest of the series.
DraftKings set Cleveland at -192 moneyline, -4.5 spread and 218.5 total.
Rotoworld favored a Cavaliers win and the under.

Summary

SportsLine Posts Record

The SportsLine Projection Model posted a 25-9 spread-pick record and earned $10,000 profit per $100 wager.
It projects Lakers center Deandre Ayton to score 15.3 points, beating his 11.5-point over/under.
It lists Detroit’s Ausar Thompson over-7.5-rebound prop after a 15-board game.
The model backs the Pistons at –3.5 spread, Under on the 210.5 total, offers a FanDuel promo code before Friday’s playoff bets, and lists National Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700).

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s May 14 2018 ruling in Murphy v. NCAA that struck down PASPA, states could legalize sports wagering. DraftKings and FanDuel then expanded nationwide, driving the U.S. legal betting handle to $3.5 billion by 2022. The NBA’s Adam Silver and its franchises, including the Cavaliers and Raptors, now rely on betting analytics to shape playoff strategies.

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Cavaliers Lead

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Toronto Raptors 125-120 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead.
James Harden posted 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Cleveland.
Immanuel Quickley was out with a hamstring for the rest of the series.
DraftKings set Cleveland at -192 moneyline, -4.5 spread and 218.5 total.
Rotoworld favored a Cavaliers win and the under.

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