Free NBA Pick: Raptors vs. Lakers NBA Odds
Looking for Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Raptors taking on the Lakers on Monday, March 14th, 2022 at the Crypto.com Arena. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Raptors Lakers matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(37-30) Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers (29-37)
Date: Monday, March 14th, 2022
Time: 10:30 PM EST
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Raptors -198 | Lakers +160 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Raptors -5
NBA Betting Total: 225
Monday, March 14th, finds the Toronto Raptors playing the Los Angeles Lakers for the first of two scheduled matches. Toronto will host LA on March 18th.
Toronto played one of the toughest back-to-back sets this past weekend (Friday/Saturday) defeating both the Suns (117-112) and the Nuggets (126-115) on the road. The Lakers are on a back-to-back having lost 111-140 to Phoenix on Sunday.
Last season, the teams played twice each winning on the other team’s court. The Lakers hold the all-time record having bested the Raptors in 29 of 49 matches
Toronto Raptors
While there might be an argument regarding the most impressive victory by the Raptors this season winning the back-to-back combo of the Suns and Nuggets ranks right at the top of the ladder. And, by virtue of those wins and the Cavs losses they pull within a game of Cleveland.
Playing in altitude in Denver on the second game without two starters (Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby) and trailing by six points going into the fourth quarter, the Raptors displayed grit to battle back and win by a 12 point margin.
They were beasts on the glass winning the boards 50 to 39 but killed Denver on the offensive glass pulling down 23 rebounds (to 9) leading to 30 second-chance points (11 for Denver)
They were also extremely active defensively creating 19 turnovers and converting them for 31 points. Comparatively, Toronto had just eight turnovers leading to eight points.
Between turnovers and second-chance points, Toronto outscored Denver 61 to 19. While the Nuggets may just have had an off night the combination of how they finished the game in Phoenix highlights the defense is really coming together for Nick Nurse’s group.
Pascal Siakam led the team with 33 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
Scottie Barnes and Chris Boucher each registered double-doubles. Barnes had 25 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and a block while Boucher had 21 points, 13 rebounds (nine offensive boards), and four blocks.
VanVleet (knee) is questionable for Monday. Anunoby (finger) and Malachi Flynn (hamstring) are out indefinitely.
Los Angeles Lakers
For a team that won the title two seasons ago with stellar defense, it has to be disheartening for Frank Vogel to watch this iteration of the Lakers. Vogel is known as a defensive-minded coach but this team, especially without Anthony Davis is abysmal on that end of the court.
And it’s not just that they are more mature and can’t keep up with the youngsters. It’s the effort – – or rather lack of effort. Take some time and watch how many Lakers don’t bother to run back or make the extra effort plays for 50-50 balls.
They allowed Phoenix to put up 48 points in the first quarter on Sunday and there was a barrage of Suns driving unimpeded to the basket. Another sign the players may already have checked out is their body language on the court.
They are likely ensured a play-in seed given the Pelicans and Blazers’ injuries. Portland is in tank mode anyway not appearing to be invested in vying for a play-in seed. The Spurs could make a run but are 3.5 games back of LA.
Anthony Davis (ankle), and Kendrick Nunn (knee) are both out indefinitely.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
- The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
- The Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a road favorite.
- The Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.
- The Raptors are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games playing on 1 days rest.
- The Lakers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Free Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Prediction:
In recent seasons the Raptors have owned the Lakers with LA having issues stopping their guards’ speed and the lengthy frontcourt. Without Anthony Davis, it becomes an even larger issue for LeBron and co who also have the rest disadvantage.
That said, since the break, Toronto has beaten the elite opponents and lost to the lower tier so which group shows up to play the Lakers will be intriguing as they try to chase down the reeling Cavaliers for the sixth seed.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Raptors ATS
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