Los Angeles Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction, NBA Odds
The Raptors rolled to a decisive 115-101 win in Indiana on Wednesday, and will be gunning for their sixth victory in their past eight home dates on Friday night. The Clippers travel to Toronto riding a four-game win streak after topping the visiting Washington Wizards by a 119-105 score on Wednesday, and have now won 11 of 13 overall to pull even with 10th-place Memphis in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers arrive in town perched as 2.5-point road favourites on Friday’s NBA odds. The Raptors trail as +110 underdogs on the NBA moneyline, and the total is pegged at 215.5.
Clippers vs. Raptors NBA Betting Odds
The Raptors claimed a 115-108 victory the last time the Clippers came to town in February of last year, earning them a season series split and putting the brakes on a five-game head-to-head losing streak that featured a pair of losses on home court by double-digit margins. After kicking off this season on a brutal 6-21 SU run, the Clippers have turned things around in dramatic fashion with an impressive 11-2 run. The club has shown signs of life on the road, winning three of their past four after losing 13 of their first 16 contests. That success is reflected at the sportsbook, where the Clippers have gone 11-2 against the spread including outright victories in five of six as betting underdogs. The LA defence has played a key role, limiting opponents to under 110 points in each of their past 11 wins while posting eight victories by double digits. Hobbled by injuries, the Raptors have alternated between wins and losses over their past four games, but have remained steady at home, where they have won five of seven and claimed outright victories in three of their past four as home dogs.
Los Angeles Clippers
The hero of the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, Kawhi Leonard has played a central role in the Clippers’ recent resurgence. “Fun Guy” is coming off a 33-point performance in Wednesday’s win over the Wizards and has scored 30+ in consecutive games and 29.5 points per game this month. However, Leonard has tallied 30 or more points just once on the road since late October, and averaged just 22.8 points per game away from Crypto.com Arena. Hobbled by an ankle injury that has him listed as questionable for Friday’s contest, the best betting value can be found in backing Leonard as a -125 wager to score UNDER 26.5 points on Friday. James Harden enters Friday’s action looking to find some consistency in his game. The 36-year-old scored just 22 points on Wednesday after racking 32 points versus Charlotte on Monday, and has failed to score 24+ points in consecutive outings so far in January. However, Harden has provided steady playmaking, averaging 8.4 assists this month with a pair of double-doubles and offers value as a -120 bet to record OVER 32.5 points + assists.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors will be looking to build on an impressive win over the Pacers that featured solid contributions from up and down the lineup. Brandon Ingram led the attack with 30 points and seven rebounds after averaging just 14 points over his previous three outings. Scottie Barnes was one of three Raptors to record double-doubles, scoring 26 points and adding 13 assists. With Sandro Mamukelashvili sidelined by injury, Gradey Dick seized his opportunity, setting season highs with 21 points and 11 rebounds while promising rookie Collin Murray-Boyles tallied his second double-double in three games with 10 points and 10 boards. The contributions are welcome considering the health issues facing the team. In addition to Mamu, RJ Barrett remains on the shelf with an ankle, and is joined in the clinic by Immanuel Quickley, who is questionable due to a back injury, and second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter, who will miss a third straight game with a hip injury.
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