Clippers vs Raptors Odds: Kawhi Returns to Toronto

Toronto Turning Things Around

The Toronto Raptors welcome back Kawhi Leonard to Scotiabank Arena as they play host to the LA Clippers. Let’s take a look at the Clippers vs Raptors Odds as we find the best value on offer for this game.

The Clippers are coming off a wild OT win at Detroit where they overcame a 14-point deficit with 2:56 remaining in the game to eventually end up 142-131 winners. Leonard sat out that game but has been listed as available for his return to the city where he helped deliver an NBA championship.

The Raptors are hoping they’re finally back on track after a turbulent start to their season. The team is coming off a rare road win as they overcame the Cavaliers 118-107 to make it back-to-back wins away from their home state.

The market has opened with the Raptors set as 5.5-point favorites for this one. The Clippers are currently priced at +180 on the Moneyline.

Game Information

Los Angeles Clippers Still Prioritizing Health Over Form

There are few teams in the NBA that are harder to gauge than the Clippers given the inconsistent nature of their lineups on a night-to-night basis.

While Leonard and Paul George are both available the team continues to manage their action accordingly to ensure they’re in the best position to succeed when the latter parts of the season come around.

Despite the lack of continuity in their lineups the team still sits in 4th in the Western Conference and is just 2.5 games back from the #1 seed.

Their preferred starting lineup, which features Reggie Jackson, George, Leonard, Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac- remains one of the most elite defensive teams in the league; and that’s something coach Ty Lue can take confidence from as the team begins to look toward the second half of the season.

That five-man lineup is allowing just 98.1 points per 100 possessions, making them the best defensive starting five in basketball. They’re also holding opponents to a .489 effective field goal percentage, which ranks in the 90th percentile in the league for defensive lineups.

Lineups that feature both George and Leonard own a +15.9 point differential – a rating that ranks in the 99th percentile in the league.

Toronto Raptors Capable of Defensive Duel

One team that certainly has the pieces to compete with any NBA match up and especially with the Clippers on the defensive end – are Nick Nurse’s Raptors, who themselves are an elite unit at that end of the floor when fully healthy.

Pascal Siakam has been back to his best recently, with the former All-Star racking up impressive numbers over the past week. In his last four games, Siakam has averaged 35.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists while the resurgence of Fred VanVleet has been an equally important storyline alongside it.

When the Raptors offense is clicking they’re a team capable of matching up with anyone in the league given how their defense is able to operate on a nightly basis.

“Siakam and OG Anunoby are sharing the floor together the Raptors allow just 109.8 points per 100 possessions, which ranks in the 85th percentile in the league.”

Despite themselves missing key starters for much of the season the Raptors are still a top-12 defense in the league and can lock down down the stretch of games when it matters most. When Siakam and OG Anunoby are sharing the floor together the Raptors allow just 109.8 points per 100 possessions, which ranks in the 85th percentile in the league.

The length and size that both these teams possess at the wing position will make scoring in the halfcourt extremely difficult for both sets of NBA players. This isn’t a game where we anticipate much pace on offense and despite the low total we expect both defenses to reign supreme and help keep this game Under the full game number.

Be sure to wait on the final NBA injury report before taking any position on the Clippers if that’s where you’re leaning – just given what we’ve seen from them this season when it comes to resting guys on a road back-to-back.

That’s all for our Clippers vs Raptors Odds preview but make sure you check back for more NBA Under Over picks and against-the-spread analysis and NBA playoffs odds.
Follow us on Twitter

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Wizards vs Jazz Betting Odds: Washington Looking to Build Momentum
• Spurs vs Pelicans Betting Preview: New Orleans Hope to Snap Slump
• Warriors vs Nets Odds: Brooklyn Seeking 7-Straight Wins
• Bucks vs Cavaliers Matchup Odds: Central Powers Meet in Cleveland
• Grizzlies vs Nuggets Betting Preview: Grizzlies Look to Lock Down Jokic