The Toronto Raptors roster has been much improved since bringing in Jakob Poeltl, as he has helped give them rim protection and a true defensive identity. His ability to stuff the stat sheet and take up space on both ends of the floor has been just what they need.
The NBA team stats have looked better with Gary Trent Jr. back in a bench role. The way Nick Nurse manages his rotation is certainly interesting, but whatever works for them, right?
The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, have been an interesting NBA schedule opponent for teams all year. It has been hard to know what to expect from them as they have undergone injuries and roster turnover.
But with guys out and the next players stepping up, they have looked okay. D’Angelo Russell should be back. They have Anthony Davis back in his prime form, and that means more than anything else possibly could to them.
These guys are here and ready for the moment. Raptors vs Lakers betting preview on tap. NBA odds today have this as a close one.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Information
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers
Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.
Date and Time: Friday, March 10 at 10:30 PM EST.
How to Watch: NBATV
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Recent Scores
These teams first met this year back on December 7, when the Raptors came away with a 126-113 win at home. The NBA player stats for them were pretty solid, with three guys scoring at least 25 and then getting a nice bench lift from Gary Trent Jr. Christian Koloko was still starting at the five at that time, with the rest of the rotation sort of in flux.
On the opposite side of the coin, Dennis Schroder was surprisingly the leading scorer for L.A. with 18 points. That’s what happens when the regular stars aren’t out there shining on the floor. Since the 2014-15 season, Toronto has won all but two games in the head-to-head series.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Analysis
Toronto Raptors Facts to Know
The recent play of the Raptors is as good as it has been at any time in the year. Right before the deadline, it seemed like they might turn into sellers. OG Anunoby was available to be had, and it also appeared that they would consider parting with Fred VanVleet.
Should they have opted to move on from either one of them, it would have been cool to see the end-of-bench guys step into roles. Malachi Flynn, Jeff Dowtin Jr., and Christian Koloko have all had their moments, but they don’t play regularly.
The way Nick Nurse operates is that he’ll give his core guys most of the minutes each night. And he has favorites who will get more court time over different stretches. Right now, it’s Chris Boucher, with Will Barton, Precious Achiuwa, Thaddeus Young, and Trent Jr. taking minutes off the pine as well.
It’s a team filled with veterans and lacking in youth. A big part of why being 32-34 is not something you want to continue to ride out, at least according to others around the association.
Toronto will be a tough out in the playoffs like they were last year, but let’s not forget it was still a first-round exit. They won their title, and it might be time to bring young pieces in around Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam.
Los Angeles Lakers Facts to Know
Life for the Lakers has been really good the last few weeks. Considering that they don’t have LeBron James available at the moment, this is wildly impressive. Anthony Davis had a 30-20 game against the Grizzlies and is quickly reminding people around the NBA that his game isn’t dipping. NBA matchups featuring L.A. don’t usually end well for the other team anymore. His stats haven’t been much, but the defensive energy and productivity of Jarred Vanderbilt have also helped shift the culture.
Dennis Schroder has looked like the point guard he was in Atlanta and OKC. He will never be able to live down saying no to all the guaranteed money from the Lakers before last season, but his play now is more than making up for it. While D’Angelo Russell has been out, he has continued to play well enough to lift his team. These guys have been good, and it’s fun to see.
When LeBron does return, he will probably be coming back as a winner. That they can stay afloat in his absence right now is one of the best things in the NBA in a long time. NBA picks today don’t seem to care too much about him being hurt, as the odds for this one are intriguing.
Updates
Always the worst part of the game; nobody is a fan of injuries. L.A. just lost Mo Bamba for at least four weeks with a high ankle sprain. LeBron has a foot tendon injury but could be back before the end of the month. Winning without a top-two player all-time on the floor is truly impressive for this bunch. Give them a lot of credit for the turnaround.
While the Otto Porter signing failed miserably here, Will Barton is the only player on the injury report aside from OP. Whether he plays or not will have little to no bearing on the final, though. Let’s get to those Raptors vs Lakers betting picks.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Spread: Pick’em (Los Angeles Lakers -109, Toronto Raptors -111)
Moneyline: Toronto Raptors -105, Los Angeles Lakers -115
Over/Under: 225.0
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -109
As good as Jakob Poeltl has been for Toronto, a number of their key players have just not been up for the task recently. Scottie Barnes is playing horribly of late, while Fred VanVleet is attacking refs instead of owning up to his own poor play.
The Lakers are in a great groove, and their depth has made a difference. It’s been a tough first year for him, but Darvin Ham has been good.
Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers -115
It’s going to be the LakeShow emerging with a win. The Raptors vs Lakers betting pick here agrees. It’s happening as such.
Over 225.0
The defense hasn’t won too many games for these teams overall. Sure, Toronto’s length is absolutely insane on the defensive end. But that’s all it is.
The Bucks had the same when they used to start Thon Maker in the middle and play Michael Carter-Williams at the point guard spot. It’s nice to be big, but that does nothing in the final. Offense galore in this Friday night showdown. No question.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
