Raptors vs Spurs Picks and Predictions: VanVleet Shines in Return to Lineup

The Toronto Raptors need Fred VanVleet back in the worst possible way. The Raptors' offense is lagging, and their depth is non-existent. As a result, they have lost three in a row and seven of their last 10.

But VanVleet is projected to return to the Raps’ lineup for tonight’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Will the first time All-Star’s presence be enough to help Toronto cover as short road favorites? Or is San Antonio a live dog at home?

Find out in our free NBA betting picks and predictions for Raptors vs. Spurs on March 9.

Raptors vs Spurs odds

This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.

The Raptors opened this matchup as 1.5-point road favorites and have seen early action, moving the line to -2. The total hit the board at 229.5 and it has been Under money coming as of Wednesday afternoon, with the O/U dropping to 228.5.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.

Raptors vs Spurs predictions

• Prediction: Raptors -2 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 228.5 (-110)
• Best bet: VanVleet Over 21.5 points (-105)

Predictions made on 3/9/2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Raptors vs Spurs game info

• Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
• Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2022
• Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
• TV: Bally Sports Southwest-San Antonio, TSN

Raptors vs Spurs betting preview

Key injuries

Raptors: Fred VanVleet PG (Questionable), OG Anunoby SF (Out).
Spurs: Lonnie Walker SF (Questionable), Devin Vassell SG (Questionable).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Under is 6-1 in the Raptors' last seven games as a favorite and 4-1 in the Spurs' last five as a home underdog. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Spurs.

Raptors vs Spurs picks and predictions

Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.

Spread analysis

Yes, the Raptors need Fred VanVleet back in the worst way possible. Not only is he the team’s only All-Star and best shooter, but the Raptors are short on depth this season and they just don’t have viable guys that can consistently fill his minutes on a regular basis.

The loss of VanVleet also affected Pascal Siakam. The power forward was playing like an All-Star thanks in large part to the two-man game he was running with VanVleet, and while he has still put in some good games without the star point guard, it clearly looks like Siakam was peanut butter missing his jelly.

With VanVleet back, the Raps will have a chance for success, straight up and against the spread when they face the Spurs.

San Antonio comes into this matchup having snapped a four-game losing streak. But that win came against the Lakers, and doesn’t it just feel like everyone is beating up on LeBron & Co. these days?

The Spurs are a high-tempo, high-volume offensive team that struggles to get back on defense at times (they rank 21st in defensive rating over the last 10 games), particularly against opposing guards. They are also a mediocre shooting team, ranking 18th in effective field goal percentage. 

I expect the return of VanVleet to be huge for the Raptors. Siakam gets his running mate back which also takes the pressure off Gary Trent Jr. who has gone ice cold from the floor. That trio plus Scottie Barnes will do enough to get the Raps the win and cover here.

Prediction: Raptors -2 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

A quick look at the Spurs' recent results and your gut reaction to this total might be to jump on the Over, but hold your horses.

Of course, the Spurs play at the fourth-highest pace in the league and take the second-most shots per game. But as noted, they aren’t overly efficient. And while the Raptors have had their fair share of struggles recently, they still rank 10th in defensive rating over their rough 10-game stretch.

The Spurs are normally very careful with the ball but the tenacious Raptors defense, which is among the league leaders in steals, created 20 turnovers back in a Jan. 4 meeting between these two teams. 

As fast as the Spurs play, the Raptors are the exact opposite. When they aren’t causing turnovers, the Raps love to slow down their offense, ranking 26th in pace. Plus, on defense, their ability to switch all over the floor causes teams to be patient and wait for an opening. 

This game probably won’t stay way Under but the number is high enough to side that way.

Prediction: Under 228.5 (-110)

Best bet

We’ve talked at length about the importance of VanVleet to this Raptors team and it’s not just about the numbers. But it is a little bit. So, of course, we’re going to take one of his props in his return to action.

VanVleet was an All-Star this season for a reason. The Raptors’ point guard is averaging 21.4 points per game, which includes him shooting 39.8% from 3-point range on a whopping 10 attempts from deep per game. He also adds 6.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

This matchup with the Spurs is a great one to come back to. San Antonio allows the second-most points per game to opposing guards while ranking 22nd in field goal percentage against them as well. 

Mix in the added amount of possessions in this game due to the Spurs' high pace and the fact VanVleet went off for 33 points in that early January meeting, and we like him to return with a bang.

Pick: Fred VanVleet Over 21.5 points (-105)

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