Lakers vs Raptors NBA Odds, Game Preview & Prediction

The LA Lakers travel to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, March 14 with much more at stake than bragging rights. Los Angeles is 31-36, more than 5 ½ games from the eight spot in the Western Conference. L.A., a preseason favorite to win the NBA Championship, could be left out of the playoffs. The Lakers must try to win every game. Will they on Thursday versus one of the best in the East?

Lakers vs Raptors NBA Odds, Game Preview & Prediction

Keep it fresh! ?? #WallpaperWednesday pic.twitter.com/p8vpebgopA

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) 13 de marzo de 2019

Why L.A. Lakers are a good bet +9.5?

Although the Lakers haven’t played well, there’s a couple of silver linings. First, they’re the only team in the NBA that LeBron James plays for. As long as LeBron is on the court for you and not the other team, you’ve got a shot to win.

Second, the Lakers came together brilliantly in the 123-107 win over the Chicago Bulls in their last. If they play that way against the Raptors on Thursday night, they should at least cover the spread if not challenge for the outright win.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 112.2
• Field Goal %: 47.5
• 3-Point %: 33.4
• Free Throw %: 69.1
• Rebounds/G: 46.2

Defense:

• Points/G: 113.9
• Field Goal %: 45.3
• 3-Point %: 34.9
• Free Throw %: 79.2
• Rebounds/G: 46.9

Why Toronto Raptors are a good bet -9.5?

The last time the Raptors battled the L.A. Lakers, they dominated 121-107. Toronto has a star on their roster too in Kawhi Leonard. Leonard didn’t play in that game, and the Raptors still dominated Los Angeles.

Not only did Kawhi sit that battle out, but Toronto took on the Lakers in L.A. Playing at home on Thursday night, Toronto should find it easier to beat Los Angeles. They’ve got an excellent shot to cover the large spread.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 114
• Field Goal %: 47
• 3-Point %: 35.2
• Free Throw %: 80.2
• Rebounds/G: 45.1

Defense:

• Points/G: 108.9
• Field Goal %: 45.3
• 3-Point %: 34.8
• Free Throw %: 76.7
• Rebounds/G: 44.7

NBA Betting Trends for Lakers vs Raptors

• LA Lakers are 1-8 ATS in the last 9 games
• LA Lakers are 1-5 SU in the last 6 games
• The total went OVER in 8 of the LA Lakers’s last 12 games on the road
• Toronto is 3-9 ATS in the last 12 games
• Toronto is 11-4 SU in the last 15 games
• The total went OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 games

Lakers vs Raptors Final NBA Betting Analysis

The Lakers head to Toronto a decimated group. Los Angeles has shut down both Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball for the season. That means L.A.’s likely starting line-up on Thursday will be LeBron, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Reggie Bullock, and Rajon Rondo.

Toronto’s only gone 2-3 on the moneyline in their last 5, but unlike the Lakers who lost Ball and Ingram for the season, on Thursday night Toronto should get back both Kyle Lowry and Danny Green. Lowry’s one of the best point-guards in the NBA while Green’s one of the top shooters in the league.

Marc Gasol will take apart McGee while Kawhi hangs with LeBron. The Raptors should win and cover.

NBA Betting Pick: Toronto Raptors -9.5