With just a handful of games left this season, the Toronto Raptors' attempt at a tankathon is coming to a close.
Unfortunately, the Raptors will need the lottery gods to do them a favor because they have won too frequently in the second half. And what has fueled that winning? Defense. That defense will be on display when they host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.
My Trail Blazers vs. Raptors predictions lean on that D for today’s NBA picks in this matchup set to tip off at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7:30 pm ET, on Thursday, April 3.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers prediction
My Raptors pick: Trail Blazers team total Under 114.5 (-115 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
Despite their best efforts, the Toronto Raptors have been a decent basketball team in the second half of the season.
The Raptors have placed impact players on and off the injury report, with “rest” being a regular reason as to why. And even when the Raps' best players are on the court, it has been common practice to pull them late in games, even in close ones.
The funny thing is that it hasn’t mattered. The Raps are 11-10 since the All-Star break. Part of that is thanks to the NBA’s easiest second-half schedule.
But the other part is that this team, no matter who is on the court, is buying into head coach Darko Rajakovic’s system, particularly on defense.
The Raps have been great at preventing buckets, ranking first in defensive rating since the coming out of the break. They also rank fifth in opponent field-goal percentage and ninth in opponent scoring, at 112 points during this 21-game period.
That defense will be on display tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Blazers are still fighting for the Play-In. Even still, baskets have been tough to come by. Portland ranks 18th in offensive rating and 21st in effective field-goal percentage since the All-Star break, scoring 110.9 points per game.
On top of that, Scoot Henderson is out, while Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons are trending that way as well.
Yet, the Blazers still have a team total of 114.5 for this matchup. A number they have played below in three of their last four games.
Plus, these teams played to a 105-102 Blazers’ win in Portland, just back on March 16.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Trail Blazers team total Under 114.5
Anfernee Simons Under 20.5 points
Jamal Shead Over 11.5 points
If Anfernee Simons does play, that Raptors defense will lock him down.
Simons is averaging 19.3 points per game, and he’s been in a bit of a slump. The Blazers guard has seen that average drop to 17.1 while shooting just 30.7% from 3-point range over his last eight games.
Simons’ point total is 20.5, and he’s played below that number five times during this eight-game skid.
One of the few Raptors you can rely on to get regular playing time these days is rookie Jamal Shead. The guard out of Houston is averaging 12.5 points per game over his last six and has a point total of 11.5. Shead has topped that number three times over that stretch, so sign me up for the Over.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Trail Blazers odds
Raptors vs Trail Blazers live odds
Raptors vs Trail Blazers opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +2 | Portland -2
- Moneyline: Toronto +100 | Portland -120
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Trail Blazers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened as 2-point home underdogs, but early bettors have sided with the road favorite, moving the spread to 4.5.
- The Raptors have been a great bet all season and are 12-4 ATS over their last 16 games, while the Blazers are just 6-8 ATS over their last 14.
- The total hit the board at 225.5 and has been bet down slightly, sitting at 224.5 as of Thursday afternoon.
- The last time these teams met on March 16, the closing total was a similar 226.5, which they played well below. I would lean that way again, considering how the Raptors have played defensively in the second half and the daunting injury report for both teams.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers trend
The Raptors have covered the Spread in 50 of their last 82 games for +17.05 Units and a 19% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Raptors vs Trail Blazers
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada |
| Date | Thursday, 4-3-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | KUNP, KATU.2, TSN |
Raptors vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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