Jakob Poeltl has been the focal point of the Raptors’ offense, and Andrew Caley expects that to continue Friday night, especially if Anthony Davis is out or limited for the Lakers.
1 November 2024 • 13:46 ET • 4 min read
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A new era for libronto begins when Bronny James, his father, and the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday, November 1.
The Lakers have lost the first two games of this road trip after starting 3-0, but will still be huge favorites against a depleted roster.
But will Los Angeles ignore one of Toronto’s big companies? My predictions for Raptors vs. Lakers Why Jakob Poeltl is the best NBA pick for this matchup.
Raptors vs. Lakers predictions
My Raptors pick
Jakob Poeltl +15 points (+110 at PointsBet Canada)
Analytical
With a win total of 30.5, it’s always going to be a tough season for the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, the injury situation made the start worse than expected.
Key reserves Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown started the season on the injured list and have since been joined by Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes. Quickley is suffering daily with a pelvic bruise while Barnes will be out for at least three weeks with an orbital fracture.
Despite all those injuries and a 1-4 start to the season, the Raptors have been scrappy, covering the deficit in four straight games. It was mostly due to the high-tempo offense that led to them getting a lot of high percentage shots.
The Raptors enter this matchup against a Los Angeles Lakers team ranked seventh in pace and 10th in field goal attempts per game. And with all the injuries they’re dealing with, a lot of this offense runs through veteran big man Jakob Poeltl.
The Raptors’ starting center has been one of the team’s most reliable scoring options so far this season, scoring 13.8 points while shooting 56% from the floor. He has produced at least 16 points in three of his last four games and is having a good game against the Lakers tonight.
While Anthony Davis is a good defender, the Lakers appear to be heading into the season with ease on that end of the court. Los Angeles ranks 26th in defensive rating heading into this game and 21st in opponent points in the paint. Furthermore, AD took a slight injury and is listed as “day-to-day” for this game with a hip issue.
I’ll have Jack continue to attack the paint in this matchup and take his replacement score of +15 at +110.
Raptors vs. Lakers in the same game
Jakob Poeltl 15+ points
Jacob Boitelet 10+ followers
Austin Reeves has over 4.5 assists
Let’s stick with Jak for leg #2 of this betting game in the same game. A matchup with AD would likely mean another significant amount of minutes for Poeltl. And even though the big man was a good scoring option, he still put in his usual work on the glass.
Poeltl is averaging 12.8 rebounds per game this season and has pulled down at least nine boards in all five games. He’s had plus-10s in three in a row. The Raptors’ increased pace means more possessions in the game, and more board opportunities.
Now, the Lakers offense should face little resistance in this matchup as Toronto enters this game in last place in the defensive rating. They also rank 24th in opponent assists per game, which is what made me look at Austin Reeves.
Reaves has become a great secondary playmaker behind LeBron James and De’Angelo Russell, averaging 4.8 assists per game. With Russell also dealing with a back injury and facing a Raptors defense that is constantly beaten by the extra pass, let’s close out this SGP with Reaves topping 4.5 assists tonight.
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Raptors vs. Lakers odds Raptors vs. Lakers live odds Raptors vs. Lakers opening odds Spread: Toronto +9 | Los Angeles -9 Moneyline: Toronto +310 | Los Angeles -390 Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Odds provided by PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs. Lakers Spread and Over/Under Analysis The Raptors opened this game as 9-point home underdogs and saw some early action, moving the lead to Toronto +8 before the Lakers’ buyback moved beyond the opening number and to 9.5. The Raptors continue to be shorthanded and play bad defense but surprisingly the Lakers’ defense has been almost as bad, ranking 26th in DEF rating. I’d be afraid of a cover back for the Raptors in this matchup. The total reached 228.5 and the early bettors won big, pushing the number to 232.5 as of Friday afternoon. Even at this high number I am leaning towards the upside. Both teams have played poor defense up to this point, and while the Raptors’ offense hasn’t been very efficient, it makes up for it with high speed of play. Raptors vs. Lakers trend
The Raptors have won 12 of their last 15 games for +8.70 units and a 53% ROI, including a 4-1 O/U mark this season. Find out more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Lakers.
How to Watch Raptors vs. Lakers Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON Date: Friday, 1-11-2024 Tip: 7:30 PM ET TV: Latest TSN Raptors vs Lakers Injuries
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