The Los Angeles Lakers (4-5) meet the Toronto Raptors (8-1) at the Staples Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 4, 2018.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
In the Raptors’ last game, they beat the Phoenix Suns, 107-98, but they were unable to cover as 9.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (205) finished well under the O/U total of 226.5. The Raptors had a better free throw rate (0.160 vs. 0.110) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.580 (above their season average of 0.545). Kyle Lowry was a key piece for Toronto with 11 points, 12 assists and six rebounds.
The Lakers were victorious over the Portland Trail Blazers in their last outing, 114-110, despite being 7.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (224) were under the O/U total of 234. Los Angeles’ 0.570 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Portland, who had a rate of 0.452. The Lakers’ mark was above their season average of 0.550, while the Trail Blazers’ was below their season average of 0.542. LeBron James led Los Angeles in scoring with 28 points on 9-for-20 shooting from the field.
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting paces. Since the 2017-18 season, Los Angeles has preferred an up-tempo style of play (first in possessions per game), while Toronto has been more half-court-oriented (21st in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Raptors’ fourth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 111.6) will try to take advantage of the Lakers’ 25th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 106.6).
Toronto has a superb 8-1 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 4-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total low when the Raptors are involved, as seven of their nine games have ended over the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 4-5 SU and 2-6 ATS. Similarly to Toronto, games including the Lakers also tend to finish over the O/U total (75.0 percent).
The Raptors won both matchups against the Lakers last season. In the most recent matchup, Toronto won 123-111. Toronto had a better effective field goal percentage (0.565 vs. 0.478). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.207).
Raptors at Lakers Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they allow below 100 points, Toronto is 31-5 and Los Angeles is 13-5.
When reaching the century mark, the Lakers are 36-34 and the Raptors are 65-20.
Toronto averages 49.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks last in points allowed in the paint per game (49.8).
The Raptors rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while the Lakers rank 28th (45.1).
Toronto averages 6.1 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Lakers rank fourth in steals per game (7.9) while the Raptors rank 19th (7.5).
Los Angeles averages 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Toronto ranks 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Raptors rank first in three pointers allowed per game (25.6) while the Lakers rank 14th (30.1).
Toronto ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (22.1) while Los Angeles ranks 18th (23.6).
The Lakers rank first in fast break points per game (18.2) while the Raptors rank 13th (13.8).
Toronto averages 16.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.2).
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