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The Raptors experimented with a center-less lineup in the second quarter, using Scottie Barnes as their de facto big man. It’s a look Toronto has rarely deployed this season, but given Kelly Olynyk’s struggles this year, it’s a wrinkle the Raptors might want to explore more often.

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SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA picks for the Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night

The Raptors are currently 1-16 on the road with a point differential of -11.4, while the Cavaliers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home.

And the Raptors hung with Cleveland for much of Thursday, even holding an 12-point lead at one point. They pressured the Cavaliers at both ends of the floor, and a 42-point third-quarter avalanche gave them a five-point lead entering the fourth.

Jonathan Mogbo, AJ Lawson, Ulrich Chomche, Jamison Battle, and the recently-signed Eugene Omoruyi remain on G League assignment with the Raptors 905. Detroit has yet to release its injury report for Saturday’s game.

Immanuel Quickley’s Toronto Raptors (8-29) take to the road to play the Cleveland Cavaliers (32-4) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Thursday,. Game time is 7:00 PM ET.The Cavaliers

In an ideal world, Middleton would have returned from the injury and ramped up to his spot in the starting lineup with no restrictions.

Karl-Anthony Towns' playing status in uncertain for Friday's Knicks-Thunder matchup as he tends to a right knee ailment.