Toronto Raptors odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (28-23) visit the Queen City Monday to play the Charlotte Hornets (28-26). The tip-off at Spectrum Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has won six of seven including five straight games (6-1 against the spread (ATS)) with the most recent being a 125-114 victory over the Hawks as a 2-point home favorite.

Charlotte is the loser of four in a row (1-3 ATS) to the Clippers (115-90 Jan. 30), at the Celtics (113-107 Wednesday), against the Cavaliers (102-101 Friday) and the Heat (104-86 Saturday).

The Raptors trampled the Hornets 125-113 in Toronto as 1-point home underdogs Jan. 25 without PG Fred VanVleet who was selected to his first All-Star team this past week.

Raptors at Hornets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Hornets +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread: Raptors -1.5 (-112) | Hornets +1.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Raptors at Hornets key injuries

Raptors

None

Hornets

None

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Raptors at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 116, Hornets 106

Money line

BET the RAPTORS (-125) for 1 unit because they are trending in a much better direction than the Hornets and Toronto has a couple of edges it can exploit.

The Raptors have a plus-8.1 adjusted net rating (ranked sixth) and a plus-5.1 ATS margin (ranked sixth) over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Whereas the Hornets have a minus-6.4 adjusted net rating (ranked 23rd) and minus-6.3 ATS margin (ranked 26th) in the last 14 days, per CTG.

Toronto also has two strength-on-weakness edges on the glass and in fastbreak efficiency. The Raptors are second in both offensive rebounding rate and second-chance points per game (PPG). While the Hornets are 23rd in defensive rebounding rate and allow the most second-chance PPG.

Charlotte is second in fastbreak PPG and Toronto is third. But, the Hornets allow the fourth-most fastbreak PPG and the Raptors give up the third-fewest.

BET the RAPTORS (-125) for 1 unit.

Against the spread

PASS.

I’m confident enough in the Raptors -1.5 (-112) that I’d prefer not to fuss with the points and just bet Toronto outright.

For what it’s worth, the Hornets are 9-3 ATS as home underdogs and the Raptors are 2-1 ATS as road favorites.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 224.5 (-112).

The Raptors are 0-3 O/U as road favorites with a minus-10.3 total margin and the Hornets have the worst offensive rating in the NBA during their current four-game losing skid.

However, Toronto’s offense has erupted in recent weeks as the Raptors are 6-2 O/U in their last eight games and the Over is 11-3-1 in the last 15 Raptors-Hornets meetings.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (26-23) host the Chicago Bulls (32-18) Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the Scotiabank Arena. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago won four of its past five games, including two straight home games over the Orlando Magic Tuesday and Portland Trail Blazers Sunday. The Bulls are 4-3 straight up (SU) and 4-1-2 against the spread (ATS) since Jan. 21. One of those wins was a 111-105 victory versus the Raptors at home Jan. 26.

Toronto won and covered four of its past five games with the lone loss coming at Chicago. The Raptors are 5-2 SU and ATS since Jan. 21.

The Bulls won and covered the first two meetings with the Raptors this season with the Over/Under going 1-1.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA February 3 breakdown

Bulls at Raptors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Raptors -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread: Bulls +4.5 (-102) | Raptors -4.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Bulls at Raptors key injuries

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out
SG Zach LaVine (back) probable

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Bulls at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 116, Bulls 108

Money line

PASS. Toronto (-210) is too expensive.

Toronto is 13-6 SU as a home favorite and Chicago is 3-9 SU as a road underdog.

Against the spread

GIMME RAPTORS -4.5 (-122) for 1 unit.

As mentioned, Toronto lost a tight battle at Chicago 111-105 Jan. 26, nearly covering as a 4-point road underdog and it was without leading scorer PG Fred VanVleet (21.5 points per game).

VanVleet should make the difference in this game since the Bulls have two missing starters in their backcourt, both of which are above-average on-ball defenders.

Toronto is stacked at the forward position and has the personnel to make things uncomfortable for Chicago wings LaVine and SF DeMar DeRozan.

On top of that, the Raptors are trending in a better direction than the Bulls. Over the past two weeks, Toronto is sixth in adjusted-net rating (plus-4.3) and 12th in ATS margin (plus-1.3), while Chicago is 17th in both adjusted-net rating and ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

This is a better spot for the Raptors, who are 10-3 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and the Bulls are 4-5 ATS on the road versus winning teams.

Finally, there’s reverse line movement in Toronto’s direction. According to Pregame.com, nearly two-thirds of the cash wagered is on Chicago, but the Raptors have gone from 2.5-point opening favorites up to the current price. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

BET 1 unit on the RAPTORS -4.5 (-122).

Over/Under

PASS.

I “lean” to the Over 222.5 (-108) because Chicago’s defense has fallen off recently and the Bulls are 4-1 O/U in their last five games. Plus, the Raptors have gone Over the total in seven of their last eight games versus winning teams.

However, I prefer Toronto’s spread much more than the total, and a vast majority of the market is backing the Over, per Pregame.com. I hate following the herd in sports betting.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Miami Heat (32-19) stop by Scotiabank Arena Tuesday to play the Toronto Raptors (25-23) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Heat vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Both these teams played Monday and met this past weekend. A F Jimmy Butler-less Heat got smacked 122-92 by the Boston Celtics and the Raptors won at the Atlanta Hawks 106-100 as 2.5-point road favorites Monday.

Toronto upset Miami on the road Saturday 124-120 in triple overtime despite that it was without leading scorer PG Fred VanVleet. These teams are now split 1-1 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) this regular season through two meetings in Miami.

The Heat are 5-3 SU and 4-4 ATS while the Raptors are 4-4 SU and 5-3 ATS over the last two weeks. Miami is 10th in adjusted net rating over that span, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), and Toronto is 9th.

Heat at Raptors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at noon ET.

Money line: Heat +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Raptors -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread: Heat +2.5 (-105) | Raptors -2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Heat at Raptors key injuries

Heat (not officially submitted)

SF Jimmy Butler (toe) questionable
PG Kyle Lowry (personal) questionable
C Omer Yurtseven (health and safety protocols) out
PF P.J. Tucker (knee) questionable

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Heat at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 113, Miami 107

Money line

BET the RAPTORS (-150) for 1 unit because the Heat could be without three starters and Toronto just beat Miami without VanVleet.

In fact, Butler was sensational Saturday versus the Raptors (37-14-10 triple-double) and the Heat still lost.

Not only is Butler an All-NBA-caliber forward but Miami could also be without elite wing defender Tucker. These absences are concerning since Toronto is stacked at wing with Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes.

The Raptors also perform better on limited rest: Toronto is 5-3 SU (plus-3.1 margin of victory) and Miami is 2-6 SU (minus-2.3 margin of victory) when playing with no rest days.

Finally, Toronto has a massive strength-on-weakness edge over Miami in ball security, which surfaced in the Heat-Raptors game Saturday. Miami is 27th in offensive turnover rate (TOV%), Toronto forces the highest rate of turnovers and the Raptors killed the Heat in this area Saturday. Toronto committed 7 fewer turnovers than Miami (23-16) and scored 7 more points off of turnovers.

BET the RAPTORS (-150) but if their money line goes north of -155 then I’d just lay the points with Toronto instead.

Against the spread

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors -2.5 (-120) since they are an NBA-best 6-2 ATS (plus-7.3 ATS margin) on the second of a back-to-back and are far healthier than the Heat at the moment.

I’m confident enough in Toronto that I’m willing to spend extra on the Raptors (-150) money line, but if that increases any further, I’d be comfortable laying up to 4 points with Toronto.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 209.5 (-112) for a quarter-unit, if at all, because the Toronto sides are sharper plays and both teams play at a bottom-three pace.

However, Miami is 7-1 O/U when playing on the second of a back-to-back with a plus-9.9 total margin and 9-4 O/U as a road underdog. Toronto is 11-7 O/U as a home favorite and 7-1 O/U in the last eight home games.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Toronto Raptors at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Raptors at Atlanta Hawks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (24-23) travel to the Big Peach Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off with the Atlanta Hawks (24-25) at State Farm Arena. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has alternated wins and losses over the past six games with the latest being a 124-120, triple-overtime victory as a 2.5-point road underdog at the Miami Heat Saturday. The Raptors are 3-4 straight up (SU) and 4-3 against the spread (ATS) over the past two weeks.

Atlanta is on a 7-game winning streak (7-0 ATS). The Hawks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 129-121 Sunday as 7.5-point home favorites.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 31 breakdown

Raptors at Hawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Hawks +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread: Raptors -1.5 (-112) | Hawks +1.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Raptors at Hawks key injuries

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Hawks

SF De’Andre Hunter (ankle) probable
PG Trae Young (shoulder) questionable

Raptors at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 114, Hawks 109

Money line

BET RAPTORS (-125) for 1 unit.

Toronto has a significant edge in transition basketball and should have more possessions than Atlanta, which usually means more points.

The Raptors get out in transition at the fifth-highest rate and are third in fast-break points per game (PPG). Meanwhile, Atlanta has the worst transition defensive efficiency in the NBA.

Both teams have top-five offensive turnover rates, but the Raptors force the highest rate of turnovers in the NBA and the Hawks rank 28th in defensive-turnover rate.

Also, this is a much better spot for Toronto since Atlanta is 5-7 SU when playing with a rest disadvantage with a minus-2.7 margin of victory and 3-5 ATS on the second of a back-to-back with a minus-3.5 margin of victory.

The Hawks are second in adjusted-offensive rating and the Raptors perform well versus top-10 offenses.

Toronto is sixth in adjusted-net rating versus top-10 offenses with the fifth-best ATS margin at plus-2.9, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

BET RAPTORS (-125).

Against the spread

PASS since Toronto’s money line is only 13 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Raptors -1.5 (-112).

Don’t be cheap, just TAKE TORONTO (-125) to win outright.

Over/Under

BET OVER 215.5 (-112) for a quarter-unit.

The Over has cashed in five of the past six Raptors-Hawks meetings and Toronto is 10-2 O/U when playing on a rest advantage with a plus-12.8 total margin.

Also, the assigned officiating crew for this game has a combined 44-40 O/U record.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (23-23) stop by the FTX Arena Saturday for an 8 p.m. ET game against the Miami Heat (32-17). Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Heat odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has alternated between winning and losing over the past five games with the latest being a 111-105 loss at the Chicago Bulls as 4-point road underdogs.

Over the past two weeks, the Raptors are 3-4 straight-up (SU) and 4-3 against the spread (ATS) but Toronto PG Fred VanVleet has missed the past two games.

Miami defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 121-115 last night (Friday) at home but failed to cover as 8.5-point favorites. The Heat enter on a three-game winning streak.

In the last 14 days, the Heat are 5-2 SU with a plus-6.0 adjusted net rating (ranked fifth) and 4-3 ATS with a minus-0.3 ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Heat (-4) won and covered their first meeting this season with the Raptors 104-99 Jan. 12. Miami shot better than Toronto from everywhere on the floor and outrebounded the Raptors 49-45.

Raptors at Heat odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Heat -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +3.5 (-105) | Heat -3.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Raptors at Heat key injuries

Raptors

PG Fred VanVleet (knee) questionable
C Khem Birch (nose) out

Heat

SF Jimmy Butler (toe) questionable
PG Kyle Lowry (personal) questionable

Raptors at Heat odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 111, Raptors 109

Money line

PASS because there’s a lot of uncertainty with both teams’ injury reports. VanVleet may return for the Raptors, and if that’s the case, I’d “lean” towards Toronto’s money line.

Miami could still be without Lowry and Butler was listed on the injury report as questionable for the Heat’s game against the Clippers yesterday. I wouldn’t be shocked if Butler sat out the second of this back-to-back.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the RAPTORS +3.5 (-105) for a one-third-unit, if at all, because my favorite wager in this game is the Over.

That said, Toronto has the eighth-best ATS margin over the past two weeks (plus-1.4), per CTG, and the Raptors are 17-8 ATS versus teams with a winning record (8-5 ATS on the road).

On top of that, I’m noticing some reverse line movement in the betting market as a vast majority of the action is on the Heat -3.5 (-170), but they’ve been lowered from a 5.5-point favorite on the look-ahead line. Typically, it’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 208.5 (-108) for 1 unit because the Raptors-Heat total has already been steamed up 1-point from the look-ahead number and based on several trendy reasons.

For instance, Miami is 6-1 O/U in the second of a back-to-back (plus-6.6 total margin) and 7-0 O/U when playing with a rest disadvantage (plus-12.1 total margin).

Also, Toronto is 9-2 O/U when playing with a rest advantage (plus-11.0 total margin), the Raptors are 10-9 O/U as a road underdog and the Heat are 10-9 O/U as a home favorite.

Furthermore, Miami is 25th in defensive FT/FGA rate, Toronto is 27th and two of the three referees assigned to this game have officiated more Overs than Unders. Both teams could spend a lot of time at the foul line Saturday given their defensive free-throw rates and the officiating crew.

For the record, the OVER 208.5 (-108) is my favorite wager in this game.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (23-22) head to the Windy City Wednesday to play the Chicago Bulls (29-17) at the United Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has alternated between winning and losing over the past four games with the latest being a 125-113 beatdown of the Charlotte Hornets at home last night. The Raptors are 3-4 straight-up (SU) and 4-3 against the spread (ATS) over the past two weeks.

Chicago eked past the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 Monday sans SF DeMar DeRozan and pushing as 1-point road favorites. The Bulls are 2-6 SU and 3-4-1 ATS in the last 14 days.

The Bulls (-2) beat the Raptors 111-108 in their first meeting this season, Oct. 25, and the Over on a 213.5-point total cashed.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 26 breakdown

Raptors at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Bulls -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +3.5 (-105) | Bulls -3.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Raptors at Bulls key injuries

Raptors

PG Fred VanVleet (knee) questionable
SF Scottie Barnes (wrist) questionable

Bulls

PG Lonzo Ball (knee) out
SG Alex Caruso (wrist) out
C Nikola Vucevic (knee) probable

Raptors at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 113, Bulls 110

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors (+140), and I’d sprinkle on Toronto’s money line if VanVleet plays. But, without VanVleet, I’ll just take the points with the Raptors.

Also, Toronto is 9-9 straight-up (SU) as a road underdog and Chicago is 13-4 SU as a home favorite.

Against the spread

BET the RAPTORS +3.5 (-105) for 1 unit because both teams have struggled recently, but the Bulls -3.5 (-120) have been downright awful.

Over the past two weeks, the Bulls are dead-last in both adjusted net rating (minus-14.4) and ATS margin (minus-8.1), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Furthermore, the absences of Ball and Caruso loom large for the Bulls. Each is key to Chicago’s previously elite defense that has tailed off recently.

For instance, in Jan., the Bulls has the second-worst adjusted defensive rating (per CTG) and rank 23rd in points off turnovers allowed per game and 24th in fast-break points per game (PPG) allowed.

Two of Toronto’s strengths are forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. The Raptors are second in points off of turnovers per game and fourth in fast-break PPG.

On top of that, there might be some additional value on Toronto here since it played last night, and the Raptors perform well on the second of a back-to-back. Toronto is an NBA-best 6-1 ATS on zero days rest with the best ATS margin (plus-8.6) and the third-best adjusted net rating (per CTG).

BET the RAPTORS +3.5 (-105).

Over/Under

PASS because the trends are pointing all over the place in this one, and all three referees assigned to this game have officiated more Unders.

That could have an impact since both teams have poor defensive FT/FGA rates, but I “lean” towards this game going Over 218.5 (-110).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (22-22) host the Charlotte Hornets (26-21) Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off at Scotiabank Arena. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte had a three-game win streak snapped Sunday when it was crushed 113-91 by the Atlanta Hawks at home as a 1.5-point favorite. The Hornets are 7-3 straight-up (SU), 7-3 against the spread (ATS) and 3-7 Over/Under (O/U) in their last 10 games.

Toronto has lost three of its last four games, which includes a 114-105 defeat by the Portland Trail Blazers at home as an 8-point favorite. The Raptors are 5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS and 3-7 O/U in their last 10 games.

The Hornets have covered five consecutive meetings with the Raptors but Toronto is 3-2 SU in those contests.

Hornets at Raptors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Raptors -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +3.5 (-107) | Raptors -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Hornets at Raptors key injuries

Hornets

SF Gordon Hayward (foot) questionable
SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Hornets at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 112, Hornets 104

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors (-170) because I’d rather not fuss with the points against a Hornets team that has the fourth-best ATS winning percentage in the Association.

However, Toronto’s money line is a little out of my price range and this is a good spot for the Raptors.

Against the spread

BET the RAPTORS -3.5 (-115) for 1 unit for various reasons. First of all, Toronto has two strength-on-weakness edges versus Charlotte on the offensive glass and in transition.

The Raptors are second in offensive rebounding rate and second in second-chance points per game (PPG). While the Hornets are 24th in defensive rebounding rate and allow the most second-chance PPG.

Charlotte and Toronto rank second and third in fastbreak PPG, but the Raptors are third in fastbreak PPG allowed and the Hornets rank 26th.

Toronto is also deep at the wing and Charlotte could be without two wings in Hayward and McDaniels.

Not having those guys out there will be a lot of pressure on Hornets’ wing Miles Bridges to take on the Raptors’ three-headed wing monster of Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes.

Finally, Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following a SU loss and 16-7 ATS versus teams with a winning record (8-3 ATS at home).

BET the RAPTORS -3.5 (-115).

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-115) because the Hornets are 0-4 O/U over the last four games mostly because they’ve stepped their defense up in Jan. Charlotte is fifth in adjusted defensive rating in Jan., according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Raptors are ninth in adjusted defensive rating this month (per CTG) and have gone Under the total in seven of their last eight games.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-115) for a one-third unit at most because of Toronto’s aforementioned strength-on-weakness edges and Charlotte is eighth in effective field goal shooting.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (22-21) host the Portland Trail Blazers (19-26) Sunday for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off at Scotiabank Arena. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Sunday will mark the final game of a six-game road trip for the Trail Blazers who’ve gone 3-2 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) over that span. Portland upset the Boston Celtics 109-105 as an 8.5-point underdog Friday in its last outing.

Toronto is just 2-4 SU but 4-2 ATS over the last six games, including a 109-105 win versus the Wizards in Washington Friday as a 2-point road favorite.

Portland beat Toronto 118-113 as a 3-point favorite in their first meeting this season (Nov. 15) and it was the Trail Blazers’ fourth straight victory against the Raptors. They’re 3-1 ATS versus the Raptors across those meetings.

Trail Blazers at Raptors odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:09 p.m. ET.

Money line: Trail Blazers +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Raptors -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers +7.5 (-107) | Raptors -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Trail Blazers at Raptors key injuries

Trail Blazers

PG Damian Lillard (abdomen) out
PF Larry Nance Jr. (knee) out
SF Norman Powell (personal) out

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Trail Blazers at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Trail Blazers 110, Raptors 106

Money line

SPRINKLE on the TRAIL BLAZERS (+290), if at all, because I like Portland plus the points enough to take a stab at its fat money line.

The Trail Blazers have been playing some good basketball recently. It’s largely due to the breakout performance of PG Anfernee Simons who’s averaging 25.7 points per game (PPG) on 49.4% shooting (43.3% from behind the arc) with 7.4 assists per game in January.

Portland SG C.J. McCollum has also balled in his past three games versus Toronto. McCollum is averaging 27.3 PPG on 54.6% shooting (38.1% from 3) and 5.3 assists per game in those contests.

Furthermore, the Trail Blazers have the best clutch net rating at plus-90.6 with a 3-1 SU record over the last seven games. “Clutch” is when a game is within a 5-point margin in the final five minutes. So if this game stays close, I like their odds.

However, my hesitancy with Portland in this spot is due to it having the worst turnover rate over the past seven games and Toronto thriving off of turnovers.

Again, only SPRINKLE on TRAIL BLAZERS (+290) with the plan of betting more on their spread.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the TRAIL BLAZERS +7.5 (-107) heavier than or instead of the money line because Portland has been playing better and I’m betting the hotter team.

The Trail Blazers have a plus-5.8 ATS margin (ranked third) and the Raptors have a minus-1.9 ATS margin (ranked 22nd) over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Plus this hasn’t been a profitable spot for Toronto who is 4-5 ATS at home versus teams below-.500 and 2-5 ATS when laying between 7.5-9.5 points.

The TRAIL BLAZERS +7.5 (-107) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 213.5 (-107) for a tiny wager, if at all, because the Over has cashed in six of the past eight Trail Blazers-Raptors meetings and Portland has gone Over the total in five of its last six games versus teams with a winning record.

That said, I don’t like the Over here because most of the market is betting the Over and the Under has cashed in Toronto’s last seven games.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (21-21) visit the nation’s capital Friday to play the Washington Wizards (23-22). The tip-off at the Capital One Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has lost four of its past five games including back-to-back road losses at the Miami Heat Monday and at the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday. The Raptors are 23-19 against the spread (ATS) and 23-19 Over/Under (O/U).

Washington has alternated between winning and losing over its past four games with the latest being a 119-118 loss to the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday as 1-point home favorites. The Wizards are 19-25-1 ATS and 24-20-1 O/U.

The Raptors are 2-1 straight-up (SU) and ATS versus the Wizards this season with two straight victories over Washington.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 21 breakdown

Raptors at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Wizards -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +1.5 (-120) | Wizards -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Raptors at Wizards key injuries

Raptors

SG Gary Trent Jr. (ankle) questionable
C Khem Birch (nose) out

Wizards

None.

Raptors at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 113, Raptors 107

Money line

BET the WIZARDS (-115) for 1 unit because the Raptors (-105) underperform versus bad teams.

For instance, Washington has a negative net rating despite its winning record. But, Toronto ranks 26th in points per 100 possessions differential versus teams in the top-10 of adjusted net rating and 25th in ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Also, the Wizards match up very well against the Raptors. Toronto ranks fourth in points off of turnovers per game and second in second-chance points per game (PPG). While Washington is seventh in points off of turnovers allowed per game and 13th in second-chance PPG allowed.

Furthermore, the Wizards are seventh in non-garbage time offensive free-throw rate whereas the Raptors have the second-worst non-garbage time defensive free-throw rate (CTG).

Moreover, Toronto gets out in transition at the fifth-highest rate but has a below-average offensive efficiency in the fast break. Washington ranks third in defensive efficiency versus fast-break offense and gives up the fewest fast-break PPG.

On top of that, the Wizards actually have a better offensive effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and defensive eFG% than the Raptors. Also, Washington’s defense ranks first in shot quality allowed, per CTG.

Finally, this feels like a trap spot Raptors. The Wizards are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games with four of those ATS losses coming versus bad teams such as Portland, Orlando (twice) and Oklahoma City. But, Toronto has a positive net rating and is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games.

BET the WIZARDS (-115).

Against the spread

PASS since Washington’s money line is only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Wizards -1.5 (-105). Don’t be cheap, just bet Washington SU.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 217.5 (-115) for a quarter-unit because my numbers put the Raptors-Wizards total in the low 220s since Washington should stack easy points at the foul line and score more PPG at home.

However, both rank 20th or lower in both pace and 3-point attempt rate. Also, Toronto has gone Under the total in six straight games and the Under has cashed in four of the past Raptors-Wizards meetings.

My favorite wager in this game is Washington’s money line, but I “LEAN” to the OVER 217.5 (-115).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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