Raptors vs. Lakers Pick
Will the Toronto Raptors have their way in Hollywood with the host Los Angeles Lakers Friday night when they meet at 10:30PM EST?
The Raptors are a 6.5-point favorite on the spread line according to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv. The over-under sits at 221 points.
Toronto comes in with a 2-2 record after a 117-112 loss at the Warriors. Los Angeles is also 2-2 following a 102-99 overtime victory at home over the Wizards. The Raptors won both meetings last year and covered the spread both times. The over-under went 1-1.
In the loss at Golden State, Demar DeRozan led the way with 24 points along with six assists and six steals. Pascal Siakam scored 20 points. Serge Ibaka put in 15 points, while Kyle Lowry added 14 points and nine assists. The Raptors trailed 61-53 at halftime and could climb back after the break.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 58 seconds left in overtime to lift the Lakers to the win over Washington. Pope finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Brandon Ingram had 19 points and 10 boards. Larry Nance Jr. recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma scored 15 points off the bench.
Toronto is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Los Angeles. The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
The Raptors have veteran leadership and after a pair of tough road losses to the powerhouse Spurs and Warriors, they know they must take care of business versus a much easier foe. The Lakers are coming off an emotional thriller versus the Wizards, so this could be a letdown spot.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: TORONTO RAPTOS -6.5