The Los Angeles Clippers will play host to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-Clippers prediction and pick.
Although Toronto's season is virtually over, they have continued to compete as they defeated the Lakers in their last contest. Los Angeles has been reeling of late with three-straight losses coming into this inter-conference affair. Will the Clippers be able to regain momentum against an underwhelming Raptors bunch with the postseason just around the corner?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Raptors-Clippers odds.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Clippers Odds
Toronto Raptors +9 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers -9 (-110)
Over 220.5 Points (-110)
Under 220.5 Points (-110)
Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
The Toronto Raptors refuse to throw in the towel as their season winds down and their sights shift towards next season. It's one of the reasons that they perhaps are only a single-digit underdog as the NBA odds currently sit with this one. With a win against the Los Angeles Lakers most recently, the Raptors continue to prove that they're still a competitive team with talent down the roster. The Raptors resilience is impressive as their recent win against LA came on the back end of a back-to-back and without four key players. What's most impressive about the victory was that LeBron and AD were both healthy and in the lineup.
Toronto erased a double-digit deficit in the first half to pull off a rather comfortable seven-point victory. The best player on the court on Sunday was Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. Toronto's big-man went for 39 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in the dominant performance. Kyle Lowry added 37 points on eight-made three's to cap off Toronto's resounding victory. Although this season has slipped through their fingers, it's not impossible for the Raptors to claw their way past the Wizards to secure a miraculous play-in birth.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Clippers have a sour taste in their mouth as they lost three games last week, which allowed Denver to surpass them in the standings. The Clippers now sit in the fourth-seed and have a playoff matchup against the Lakers looming as it stands. Everyone, including the Clippers, knows that a first-round matchup against the Lakers is not something you want to see as an organization. With Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup after a five-game absence, the Clippers will certainly look to make a run and secure that three seed when the season comes to a close. Kawhi being back is clearly reflected in the NBA odds for this one.
Kawhi played 30 minutes in his return to the court and finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists in the loss against Denver. Paul George didn't provide much support as he registered 20 points on 5-of-21 shooting from the field. Three other Clippers were double-figure contributors, but the all-around effort wasn't enough in the end. Los Angeles has the clear rest advantage with Toronto playing five games last week, which they hope will provide an added boost in a get-right spot. The Clippers have defended their home court quite well of late, going 7-1 in their last eight games at the Staples Center.
Final Raptors-Clippers Prediction & Pick
I'm reluctant to pick a side here because it seems to be a good get-right spot for the Clippers, but the Raptors just won't go away. Although a double-digit win is more than possible and probably likely for the Clippers, I see more value on this total. My assumption is that Los Angeles' offense will get back on track and the Raptors will claw their way to remain within striking distance. Both teams have hit the over more times than not and Toronto road games have been especially high scoring this season. Look for the Clippers to lead the way in this high-scoring affair.
FINAL PICK: Over 220.5 Points (-110)
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