Raptors vs Clippers Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Toronto Bows to The Beard

It sure as heck felt like the Toronto Raptors got jobbed by the officials in last night’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. And head coach Darko Rajakovic basically went on record saying the same thing. In some not-so-nice words.

While Rajakovic awaits his undoubted fine, he and the Raptors will have to refocus quickly as they play their second game at Crypto.com Arena in as many nights, this time against the surging Los Angeles Clippers. 

The Clippers have been one of the best teams in the NBA since the start of December, and it’s no coincidence James Harden has gotten his groove back during that time. But will that be enough to cover a 10-point spread against a Toronto team that has played better basketball since trading for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley?

I break down the NBA odds and bring you the best bet in my free NBA picks and predictions for Raptors vs. Clippers on Wednesday, January 10. 

Raptors vs Clippers odds

Raptors vs Clippers predictions

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic let the officials have it after last night’s 131-130 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers thanks to a fourth quarter that saw several questionable calls go in the Lakers’ favor, not to mention they got 23 free throw attempts to the Raptors’ two in the frame.

But there are still a few things to take away from the loss. Simply put, the Raptors have been much better at getting buckets since trading OG Anunoby for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. And it has meant a more competitive brand of basketball overall, as the Raptors are 5-0 ATS since making the move.

However, the Raptors are still a work in progress at the defensive end of the floor. Toronto ranks 25th in defensive rating and 28th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage since the start of December while ranking 23rd in opponent effective field goal percentage for the season.

That could be a problem against the surging Los Angeles Clippers, particularly when playing the second half of a back-to-back. L.A. has won 18 of its last 24 games, and the team ranks second in offensive rating since the start of December while tied for first in eFG%. They also lead the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage in that span.

These are things that are expected when your team features Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but it feels like the Clippers are on a different level ever since James Harden has gotten acclimatized with his new team and got his groove back.

Harden is averaging 18.8 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game over 18 games since the start of December. That includes him shooting an impressive 44.5% from 3-point range on 6.6 attempts per game over that stretch. He’s been even better recently, shooting 48.3% over his last five games, hitting three or more 3s four times in that span.

Yet, we are still getting plus money in the James Harden odds to hit three or more 3s tonight. I’m betting Harden keeps cooking and stays hot from beyond the arc against a Raptors team that could have some heavy legs playing their second West Coast game in as many nights.

My best bet: James Harden 3+ 3-pointers (+105 at PointsBet)

Raptors vs Clippers same-game parlay

James Harden 3+ made 3s

Ivica Zubac Over 23.5 points + rebounds

Paul George Over 2.5 assists

+425 at PointsBet

Sorry Raptors fans, this is going to be a Clippers-centric same-game parlay. It starts as always with our best bet, and that’s James Harden to hit three or more 3s in this matchup. But he won’t be the only Clippers player to find success tonight.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, starting center Jakob Poeltl is out for a minimum of two weeks with an ankle injury, and we saw that cost them against the Lakers as Anthony Davis put on a dominating performance going for 41 points and 11 rebounds. 

Now, Ivica Zubac isn’t Anthony Davis. But he is averaging 14.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game over his last eight games. His points + rebounds number is sitting at 23.5 and he’s gone Over that six times in that span.

And let’s close this SGP out with a Paul George prop. PG13, like Harden, has been dialed in from beyond the arc, but I like him to be a bit of a playmaker tonight as well. George is averaging 3.7 assists per game this season while the Raptors rank 25th in the NBA in opponent assists per game. George’s assist prop is sitting at 2.5, and he’s gone Over that number in seven of his last 11 games.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada

Looking to bet on some Raptors action? Join PointsBet, one of Canada’s favourite books for new bettors!

Sign Up Now 

Raptors vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis

The Raptors opened this matchup as 9.5-point road underdogs and unsurprisingly, it’s the Clippers who have seen the early action with the line sitting at an even 10 as of Wednesday afternoon.

It’s not surprising considering this is the second half of a back-to-back for the Raptors, who have been struggling at the defensive end of the floor, going against a Clippers team that is playing very well and has been off since Monday.

That said, this is a lot of points. The Clippers have only been favored by this many points three times this season and have failed to cover the spread in all three. And while L.A.’s offense has been humming, the defense has been middling, ranking 15th in defensive rating since the start of December. And Toronto’s offense has ranked fourth in offensive rating over the last five games.

I’d lean towards getting all those points with a Raptors team that is 5-0 ATS in their last five games.

That also leads well into the total, which hit the board at 235.5 and has been bet up to 236.5. I’d agree with the early money. Both offenses are playing well, with average to below-average defensive metrics. We should see plenty of points in La La Land tonight.

Raptors vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Clippers have been double-digit favorites three times this season, and they are 0-3 ATS in those games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Clippers.

Raptors vs Clippers game info

Raptors vs Clippers latest injuries

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic