The Los Angeles Lakers (50-14) will take on the Toronto Raptors (46-18) Saturday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Lakers-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Lakers vs. Raptors: Key injuries
Lakers:
- PF Anthony Davis (eye) probable
- SF LeBron James (groin) probable
- PF Kyle Kuzma (ankle) probable
- PG Rajon Rondo (thumb) out
Raptors:
- SG Patrick McCaw (knee) doubtful
- SF Oshae Brissett (knee) doubtful
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Lakers vs. Raptors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 8:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Lakers 111, Raptors 106
Moneyline (ML)
The LAKERS (-176) head into this game as favorites over the Raptors (+145) as these are two of the best teams in the NBA. This is a meaningful game for the Lakers, as one more win will clinch them the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has been red-hot in the second half of the year. They have won 12 of their last 14 games dating back to before the interruption; however, they have struggled against the Raptors in recent history, losing 10-straight games to Toronto. Expect that to change Saturday as they are simply the more talented team.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lakers to win returns a profit of $5.70.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The LAKERS -4 (-106) are two-basket favorites over the Raptors. Los Angeles hasn’t fared well against the spread when playing the Eastern Conference this season, failing to cover the line in 13 of their 23 matchups this season. Toronto, on the other hand, has more success against the West, going 13-10-1 ATS when facing the opposite conference this season. With this spread being so small, it’s not hard to see the Lakers covering if they end up winning the game.
Given the odds, the Lakers -4 (-106) is a better overall bet than the moneyline but expect the Raptors to keep this game close throughout.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this interconference matchup is set at 217.5 points. While both offenses are incredibly talented and can score 120 or more points on any given night, these are two of the best defenses in the NBA. Both the Lakers and Raptors have allowed under 107 points per game this season as they each rank inside the top three in scoring defense.
Expect this game to be well played and for the scoring to be a bit lower than we saw during Friday’s slate of games. Take the UNDER 217.5 (-110) for this fantastic Saturday night contest.
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