Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Clippers Spread: Odds, Prediction
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Charlie Grant
Chris Paul is gone, Blake Griffin is injured again and DeAndre Jordan is projected to be on the trading block. The Raptors are sharpening their claws looking to prey on the shell of what was once known as Lob City.
Raptors vs. Clippers Betting Analysis
The Raptors opened as 5.5-point road favourites on the NBA odds board with the total set at 214.5. Toronto improved to 17-7 straight up and 14-10 against the spread following Sunday afternoon’s win and cover versus the Kings in Sacramento. The Dinos are 9-5 ATS on the road this season and are 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS in their last six overall.
The Clippers upset the Washington Wizards on Saturday night as 2-point home underdogs. The win snapped a four-game losing streak and brings L.A.’s season record up to 9-15 SU and 10-14 ATS. The over is 5-1 in the club’s last six games and the Clips have allowed 108 points or more to each of their past six opponents.
The Raptors enjoy playing Doc Rivers’ squad. The 905 are 6-0 SU and ATS in their last six meetings with the Clippers.
Toronto’s hot start to the season has pushed the club to No. 3 on the NBA Eastern Conference odds board. The Raps sit at +1200 but well behind the Boston Celtics (+220) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (-152).
Toronto Raptors
Norman Powell is a fan favourite in Toronto and big things were expected from the third year wing player. But there’s no denying the Raptors are a better team with rookie OG Anunoby in the starting lineup in Powell’s place.
Toronto is outscoring opponents 115.3 to 100.9 per 100 possessions (14.5 net rating) with Anunoby on the floor compared to 108.2 to 104.7 when he’s riding the pine. The Raptors are 10-2 SU and 8-4 ATS since Anunoby took over the starting small forward spot.
Los Angeles Clippers
For years the Doc Rivers-led Clippers paid little attention to the NBA draft and filled their bench with old guys on their way out of the league instead of developing young players. That strategy is blowing up in their face now.
A squad that always relied on its stars to power past opponents is now asking the likes of Austin Rivers and Lou Williams to win them games. Williams is a shoot-first point guard who prefers not to get his hands dirty on the defensive side of the ball.
Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry should be thrilled to see Sweet Lou guarding him on Monday night.
