Los Angeles Lakers vs Toronto Raptors Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers look to avenge their early season loss in their last meeting with the Toronto Raptors this season.
• The Toronto Raptors won their first meeting with the Lakers in November, 113-104.
• This will be LA’s second game of the seeding schedule, while it will be Toronto’s first.

Lakers vs Raptors Odds

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 Lakers vs Raptors Predictions and Picks

WSN Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers defeat Toronto Raptors

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of an encouraging victory against the LA Clippers. A match where head coach Frank Vogel, surprisingly, rode his stars hard. With a game under their belt and form on their side, it’s difficult to bet against the Lakers.

Spread Bet:

Toronto Raptors +4 (-109)

The Raptors may not be the favourite in this matchup, but they ran a close game against the Lakers in their last meeting – which was a victory for them. With the second best defence in the league, we see the Raptors keeping this close, if not winning the game outright. Despite the Lakers’ offence being almost as fast as their own.

Total Points:

O 214.5 -112

These are two of the most high-powered offences in the NBA. They have a combined average of 217.3 points per game. It should be a high-scoring affair.

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 Lakers vs  Raptors TV and Live Streaming Info

Lakers (Away) Stats and Preview

Unsurprisingly, Los Angeles is one of the strongest teams in the NBA. They are coming off of a victory in their first game back against the LA Clippers, where they came from behind to steal the victory.

In their first match against the Toronto Raptors this season, the Los Angeles Lakers were outmatched. Unable to stop the Raptors’ diverse attack, the Lakers will need to draw on a similar defensive effort to what they had in their last game to defeat the reigning champions.

Anthony Davis was the Lakers’ saviour in their first match back. In order to defeat one of the league’s top teams, they’ll need a more balanced effort against one of the fastest starting sides.

Lakers’ Roster Notes

(G) Rajon Rondo – 13 July 2020 – OUT (Thumb) Expected to be out until at least September 1st.

(G) Avery Bradley – 23 June 2020 – OUT (Sitting Out) Bradley has chosen to not participate in the NBA’s return.

Toronto Raptors (Home) Stats and Preview

Despite being the reigning 2019 NBA Champions, the Toronto Raptors were looked down upon during the beginning of the NBA season. After losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, few had faith in their ability to even reach the playoffs. Doubters were swiftly proven wrong.

The Toronto Raptors enter the NBA’s restart as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and the third-best overall. Their depth, along with the visionary game plan of head coach Nick Nurse, has powered them to one of the best records in the league.

They take on a Los Angeles Lakers team that looked excellent in their first game back against the Clippers. Toronto has beaten them once this season without Ibaka and Lowry available. With a full complement, the Raptors’ chances look good.

Raptors Roster Notes

(G) Patrick McCaw – 28 July 2020 – Day-to-Day (undisclosed) McCaw was unavailable for the Toronto Raptors’ Tuesday scrimmage due to an undisclosed, recurring injury.

What’s At Stake?

A win for the Toronto Raptors could bring them within as few as six games of the first place Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference.

A win for the Los Angeles Lakers could give them as much as a seven game lead over second place in the Western Conference.

It’s been a rather one-sided all-time series, as the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Toronto Raptors 28-18 over 46 meetings.

What Will Positive Health Yield for the Raptors?

The stare 👀 pic.twitter.com/Tn4E5btiIn

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 28, 2020

It’s no secret that the Toronto Raptors have been brilliant this season. Over 64 games played, they’ve attained a 46-18 record. Identical to their record last year over 64 games, where they were led by two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Also third overall in man games lost due to injury, the Raptors enter this return with a, mostly, clean bill of health.

Due to their injury issues, the Toronto Raptors have played 20 different lineups with a minimum of 26 minutes per game. It is a testament to their depth, as head coach Nick Nurse has been able to rely on rookie guards Terence Davis and Matt Thomas, and veteran outcasts Patrick McCaw, Chris Boucher, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to more than fill the gap.

The Raptors play a relatively simple game, resulting in their efficiency. The top team in the league in fast break points, so long as their players run, they can succeed. Their improved depth will be more valuable on the defensive end, as Nick Nurse can mix and match his lineups, depending on the matchup, without worry.

The Lakers Need More From Their Supporting Cast

Tie game. Orlando opener. Top two teams in the West.

The King came through 👑 pic.twitter.com/i77YzyrknH

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 31, 2020

In the Lakers’ most recent win against the LA Clippers, their star power was on display. Anthony Davis took over, to the tune of 34 points on 8-19 shooting and 16-17 shooting from the free throw line. While he was brilliant, the Lakers’ role players were less than ideal in their contributions.

James and Davis combined for 50 of the team’s 103 points on the evening. Starting trio of Javale McGee, Danny Green, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combined for a meager 18 points on 7-18 shooting.

If the Lakers hope to keep up with the Toronto Raptors’ depth in this match, they’ll need more form their role players. They won’t have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to put up with on defence, but Toronto’s second ranked defence won’t be giving them a day off.