Raptors vs. Trail Blazers Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
As scary as it is to see the Toronto Raptors rip through two of the top four teams in the Western Conference by a combined 44 points – in their own buildings, no less – it’s even scarier when you realize that they did so despite being without Kawhi Leonard.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Despite looking like the best team in the league for the majority of the season, the Raptors haven’t been a great situational cover option. They’re just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games on one day of rest, and are a dismal 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. Northwest Division foes. The Trail Blazers have been even worse, covering just two of their previous 12 games overall while going 0-6 ATS in their last six against teams with winning records.
Both teams have been strong under options, with this one carrying a total of 217. Portland has finished below the number in each of its previous five games, and is 8-2 to the under in its past 10 games at Moda Center. The Raptors on a 6-1 under run over their past seven, and have gone below in four consecutive games following a victory. The head-to-head series is also skewing in that direction, with five of their past seven meetings sliding under the total.
Toronto Raptors
Being without Leonard, who is battling a hip injury, is something to which the Raptors have become accustomed – but another absence could have a major impact on the team’s bench production. Center Jonas Valanciunas will miss at least the next four weeks with a dislocated thumb that required surgery. Valanciunas has been one of the top sixth men in the league, averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in just 18.8 minutes per game.
Portland Trail Blazers
While it’s easy to point to the Trail Blazers’ defence as a reason for their recent slump – they’ve given up 143 points to Milwaukee, 125 to Golden State and 131 to San Antonio among their losses – it’s a stagnant offence that has been a growing problem. Portland was held to a season-low 83 points in a loss to Memphis last time out, and has crossed the 110-point barrier just once in its previous five games.
