Raptors vs Lakers Picks and Predictions: Poetl Is More Than Just a Rim Protector

The Toronto Raptors aren’t feeling too happy lately. They’ve played well the last two games but a few mistakes and questionable calls have resulted in two losses and Fred VanVleet being a little lighter in the wallet.

Toronto will have to put those games behind them as they play in Los Angeles for the second time in as many games. Despite no LeBron James available for the Lakers, they’ve still managed to win six of their last eight.

Raptors vs Lakers best odds

Raptors vs Lakers picks and predictions

Oddsmakers were finally realizing that Poeltl is more than a defender and set his point total at 14.5 for Toronto’s last game. However, after just one performance of going 4-for-8 from the field, the number is back down to 12.5 for tonight’s matchup against the Lakers.

You know what that means…we’re jumping back on the Jake Puddle Over points train!

Additionally, the Lakers have little depth behind Davis. As a result, L.A. ranks 23rd in the NBA when it comes to opponent scoring in the paint this season.

Poeltl has put up 13 or more points in seven of his last nine games, and I love him to get back on track and make it eight of 10 tonight in the City of Angels. 

My best bet: Jakob Poeltl Over 12.5 points (-115 at PointsBet)

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Raptors vs Lakers spread analysis

This is a really interesting matchup considering there isn’t a lot separating these teams at the moment. The Raptors and Lakers have similar mediocre records, but both sides are playing better basketball since the trade deadline. 

The Raps are 6-4 with Poeltl as a starter and the Lakers are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight overall. Over the last 10 games, both teams boast a Top 10 defensive rating while also ranking in the bottom third of offensive rating.

Oddsmakers opened with Los Angeles as a one-point favorite, but the line has since jumped the fence and now it’s Toronto laying two points on the road.

In what should be a close matchup, I would lean toward the Raps. The Lakers rank 24th in turnovers per game without LeBron running their offense over the last five games, which falls right into the favor of a Toronto team that currently leads the league in steals. 

Raptors vs Lakers Over/Under analysis

The total hit the board at 224.5 and that is where it remains as of Friday afternoon. However, I would consider looking at the Under before the line moves.

As noted, both teams play great defense. The Raptors are ninth and the Lakers rank first in defensive rating over the last 10 games. Both teams are also giving up more than 110 points per game over that stretch. 

Offensively, the Raptors still struggle in the half-court, and the Lakers continue to be a subpar shooting team. The Lakers rank 19th in effective field goal percentage while the Raptors come in at 29th. 

The Lakers play at a high pace, but the Raptors usually do a great job controlling game tempo. They’ll slow this game down and make the Lakers play at their pace.

The Under looks like a solid play here.

Raptors vs Lakers betting trend to know

Raptors vs Lakers game info

Location:Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date:Friday, March 10, 2023
Tip-off:10:30 p.m. ET
TV:TSN, Spectrum SportsNet

Raptors vs Lakers key injuries

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