The Golden State Warriors’ path to an NBA title repeat just got a lot tougher with Steph Curry’s shoulder injury – but a visit to the slumping Toronto Raptors could offer a much-needed jolt.
Without Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors (14-16) lost 118-106 to the Philadelphia 76ers last time out, and the scoring burden now weighs heavily on Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole.
The Raptors (13-16) have lost four in a row in the midst of their own injury concerns, and Friday’s 119-116 loss to the Brooklyn Nets was a heartbreaker as Kyrie Irving drilled a game-winner at the buzzer.
Check out our free NBA picks and predictions for Warriors vs Raptors to get the lowdown on tonight’s matchup.
Warriors vs Raptors best odds
Warriors vs Raptors picks and predictions
Scottie Barnes’ sophomore NBA season hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far in Toronto. Whether it’s the burden of rising expectations after his Rookie of the Year season or an adjustment that opponents are making after collecting a year’s worth of film, Barnes hasn’t made the kind of Year 2 leap that seemed to be on the cards. But he’s still just 21.
This week, Barnes has looked more like the rookie phenom we saw last season. He was decisive against the Nets, taking 18 shots on the way to 26 points while attempting 11 free throws (by far a season-high for him and a good indication of his aggressive mindset).
Barnes was even better in midweek in a narrow loss to the Sacramento Kings when he tallied 27 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. In short, he’s trending upward again and can use his past two outings as a launchpad for the rest of the year.
Without O.G. Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, Barnes feels like a lock to see around 40 minutes of playing time tonight as long as he stays out of foul trouble. He’s active in the paint on both ends of the court and has been more focused on seeking out his own shot in recent games.
Against a Warriors team that’s light on experienced wing defenders, I expect the Raptors to get the ball to Barnes and Pascal Siakam early and often, giving the former fourth-overall pick a solid runway to cash in this prop.
My best bet: Scottie Barnes Over 25.5 points + rebounds (-115 at PointsBet)
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Warriors vs Raptors spread analysis
The Warriors were struggling to win on the road even when Curry was healthy, so there’s natural skepticism about what this Golden State roster can do without him. But it’s still a little surprising to see the visitors as 5.5-point underdogs here.
Green is expected to return tonight to shore up the Warriors’ defense but if you’re taking the points, you’re counting on a better shooting night from Thompson, who made just four of his 17 shots against the 76ers.
Fred VanVleet has had the hot hand for the Raptors with back-to-back 39-point games – and both he and Pascal Siakam should find favorable matchups to exploit. Though Toronto is in a losing rut (and is 0-4 ATS in its last four games), keep in mind that three of its last four losses have been by four points or less.
Plus, this is a team that generally takes care of business against struggling road teams – they’ve covered the spread in their last four games against opponents with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
I expect some desperation here from a Raptors team that could be heading for a shake-up at the trade deadline if results don’t improve quickly – and they’ll need no reminding that a grueling late-December schedule lies ahead.
Warriors vs Raptors Over/Under analysis
Both offenses are going to be short-handed heading into tonight’s showdown at Scotiabank Arena, so don’t expect a run-and-gun shootout. That makes the Under an attractive option, as the Warriors adjust to this spell without Curry and the Raptors continue to miss Anunoby’s stellar two-way play.
The numbers tell a different story, but don’t reflect the key absences for this contest. The Over is 7-2 in the teams’ last nine meetings in Toronto and 4-1 in the Warriors’ last five games.
Gary Trent Jr. could be back for Toronto after sitting out against Brooklyn, and that would do wonders for the hosts’ spacing while giving Nick Nurse another shot-creator to lean on. Siakam was quiet on Friday night by his high standards (17 points) but look for his athleticism to give the Golden State frontcourt fits.
While the Raptors should come out firing on all cylinders, it’s tough to see the Warriors getting past 110 points without Curry to bend the defense and create space for his teammates.
Warriors vs Raptors betting trend to know
To underscore Golden State’s miserable form away from Oracle Arena, the Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games against a team with a winning home record of greater than .600. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Raptors.
Warriors vs Raptors game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Sunday, December 18, 2022 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-BAY, TSN4 |
Warriors vs Raptors key injuries
