The Toronto Raptors aren’t going to do worse than the No. 2 seed in the East heading into the playoffs, but they don’t want to settle for that spot. Toronto is still within striking distance of the Bucks for the top spot and the best record in the NBA. The Raptors need to play really well down the stretch to have a shot at that lofty perch, which includes a must-win game next time out against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers expected to be in the championship conversation as well when the regular season began, but it has been a nightmare last few months. Los Angeles has played really poorly of late and is out of postseason contention. The Lakers are reduced to trying to play spoiler, or at least cover the spread for the bettors that back them in NBA gambling.
This NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors will be held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
We'll have NBA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2019 NBA season.
Odds Analysis
The Lakers have a mark of 31-36 on the season. They were expected to turn it on after the All-Star break and make a playoff run but it never materialized. Los Angeles has lost five of six games and will be a sizable underdog in this matchup. The Lakers are 12-20 on the road this season.
The Raptors have a record of 48-20, which is second-best in the league. They are 2.5 games behind the Bucks with 14 remaining. Toronto has only won six of its past 10 games and that won’t cut it if it hopes to catch Milwaukee. The Raptors are 27-7 at home on the season.
Suspension Update
Toronto power forward Serge Ibaka has been suspended for three games for his role in a melee with Marquese Chriss last time out. Ibaka grabbed Chriss by the neck and threw multiple punches, so he is not going to be available for this one.
It’s a big loss, as Ibaka is one of the team’s better players. He is averaging 15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game on the year. Toronto is still the better team so it’s not going to put the team’s favored status in doubt, but it could drop the spread a point or two. This will be the first of the three games Ibaka will miss.
Matchup To Watch
LeBron James vs. Kawhi Leonard -- The Lakers have talked about limiting James’ minutes down the stretch as they are taking aim at more of a long-term approach involving one of the NBA’s best players. When he is on the court, it will be a tough matchup.
Leonard figures to guard James and he is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. If James is somewhat bottled up, the Lakers will have no chance to win this game. Los Angeles has shut down guard Lonzo Ball and forward Brandon Ingram for the rest of the season, so the Lakers’ chances basically revolve around James dominating.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Raptors are much deeper and more talented than the Lakers, and also get this game at home. This is an easy call. Toronto will be a sizable favorite and it is still the pick to cover the spread. The Lakers are throwing in the towel and will not be motivated to stay close on the road against a better team.
The “over” should also be considered as the Los Angeles defense is going to have more holes than Swiss cheese in NBA betting lines.
NBA ATS Pick: Toronto Raptors 127, Los Angeles Lakers 112
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