The Toronto Raptors (1-4) welcome the Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) to Scotiabank Arena Friday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Raptors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Lakers won both meetings last season
The Raptors lost to the Charlotte Hornets 138-133 Wednesday, closing as a 6-point underdog. While Toronto has lost 3 in a row, it has covered in each and is riding a 4-game covering streak. The Raptors are 1-2 straight up at home and 2-1 against the spread (ATS). They are 2-0 ATS against Western Conference sides as well. Toronto is led by G RJ Barrett‘s 25.5 points per game.
The Lakers kicked off the season red hot, winning 3 straight games against Minnesota, Phoenix and Sacramento. They are coming off a 134-110 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday which followed a 109-105 road loss to the Suns Monday. Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS and 1-1 ATS on the road, having lost both road games. The Lakers are led by F Anthony Davis, who is averaging 30.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.
Lakers at Raptors odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:14 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lakers -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Raptors +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -8.5 (-105) | Raptors +8.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Lakers at Raptors key injuries
Lakers
- G D’Angelo Russell (back) probable
- F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
- C Christian Wood (knee) out
Raptors
- F Scottie Barnes (orbital) out
- F Kelly Olynyk (back) out
- G Immanuel Quickley (pelvic) doubtful
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Lakers at Raptors picks and predictions
Prediction
Lakers 120, Raptors 110
Moneyline
PASS.
The Lakers are the far better side here and should come out on top, but as a sizable road favorite, they aren’t worth a moneyline play here. Similarly, don’t expect the Raptors to outperform expectations and win outright.
Against the spread
BET LAKERS -8.5 (-105).
The Lakers have covered well this season and have been even better as a favorite. They are 3-0 ATS as a favorite. They have also shot extremely efficiently with 3 of their top 4 scoring options shooting 38% or better from deep. Their leading scorer, Davis, is shooting 54.6% from the field.
While the Raptors have been relatively efficient offensively as well, their defense has struggled, allowing at least 107 points in all 5 games and allowing 127 points or more in 3 of 5. Toronto ranks last in the NBA in defensive rating and will struggle against a quality offense like Los Angeles.
Couple those trends together and back LAKERS -8.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET OVER 228.5 (-105).
The Lakers and Raptors both play at a pace that ranks in the top half of the NBA. In terms of tempo, the Raptors sit 7th and the Lakers rank 13th. That has helped the Raptors go 4-1 O/U in 5 games, scoring at least 115 points in 3 of those 5.
The Lakers are 3-2 O/U and have gone Over in 3 of their last 4. They have scored at least 123 points twice in the last 4 games. Los Angeles has struggled defensively as well, allowing at least 116 in 3 of 5 games. That said, take OVER 228.5 (-105).
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