In upcoming NBA action, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors will face one another on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 (7:10 PM ET). This is a game between an eliminated team, Toronto, and a team battling for a good playoff outlook, the Lakers. Normally, the spreads have been coming in pretty big for these situations and this game is no exception. The Raptors are home underdogs in the game at +12.5 (bet365). My Lakers vs Raptors prediction is that LA will cover the spread. I also look at some betting props and a same-game parlay.
NBA Matchup: Lakers vs Raptors
Away: Los Angeles Lakers
Home: Toronto Raptors
Game time: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 @ 7:10 PM ET
Lakers vs Raptors odds (home team's spread): +12.5 (bet365)
Los Angeles vs Toronto Prediction: Latest NBA News
The LA Lakers last played on Sunday. They beat the Brooklyn Nets 116-104 in a road game for LA. It was the team's sixth win in their last seven games.
LeBron James had 40 points in the game. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura has started to post double-doubles out of the blue. He had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the last game. It was his third double-double for points and rebounds in his last four games after not posting any all season.
Los Angeles Lakers injuries: recent news
As is often the case, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are questionable for this upcoming game. Bettors should assume that they are both playing. Furthermore, bettors should assume that they will play well. They have been questionable on such a regular basis all season and performed well anyway that the Lakers' status updates with these players have to be considered fluff. Bettors will have to double-check on James and Davis all the same. However, if you are considering betting against LA because Davis and James are questionable, then note that "questionable" seems to mean "probable" with these two players.
However, Gabe Vincent will remain out for this game, according to Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet. Cam Reddish will also miss for personal reasons, according to the same source.
Double-check for playing status updates with Los Angeles (02:39 ET time of writing): Team's Depth Chart
Toronto Raptors: Recent Form Alert
Formerly: 22 - 36 heading into February 28th, 2024
Currently: 23 - 51 (overall)
Recent form: 1 - 15 since February 28th, 2024
Recent winning rate: .062
The Raptors' hopes of making the playoffs or even just the play-in tournament this season are over. The team has lost 13 games in a row and lost 15 of their last 16. This stretch has taken them out of contention this season. They last played on Sunday, a game that they lost to Philadelphia 135-120. They entered the game on good rest but still had a very poor performance.
Toronto Raptors injuries: recent news
As of very early on Tuesday, the Raptors have one of the worst depth charts I've seen for any team this season. Four starters, Immanuel Quickley, Gary Trent Jr., Ochai Agbaji, and RJ Barrett are either probable or out. The probables are Quickley and Barrett while the other two players are out. DJ Carton, Jontay Porter, and Jakob Poetl are all out of this game. Gradey Dick and rookie Javon Freeman-Liberty might be called upon for big minutes in this game. Meanwhile, Kelly Olynyk should be a central player on both sides of the court.
That's Gradey Dick matched up against LeBron James and Kelly Olynyk matched up against Anthony Davis. I think you know where I am going with this.
Double-check status updates Toronto (02:39 ET time of writing):: Team's Depth Chart
Lakers vs Raptors Prediction: Betting Tips
You only need James OR Davis to play in this one to back the Lakers for the spread. I don't think there is any motivation with Toronto at this point. In their 13-game losing streak, they have lost six by 15 points or more. I am expecting LA to be leading this one by 25 or more at some point in the game, a lead I think they will nurse. My recommendation for a main-market bet is that the Lakers cover -12.5 at -110 (bet365).
For a player prop, Hachimura at +1000 (bet365) is worth taking. He might ride the pine if the Raptors get blown out. But if the game is somewhat close, he could get his minutes. He has 3 double-doubles in his last 4 games. I think that alone means you take +1000 for a double-double in the next one without much thought.
But be careful with betting totals on James and Davis. The Lakers play on Wednesday night as well. If they blow the Raptors out, then James and Davis might see bench time to preserve them for Wednesday night. A good same-game parlay is LA to cover -20.5, James UNDER his high total of 33.5 points, and Davis UNDER his high total of 32.5 points. The thinking is that the Raptors are thin right now and unmotivated while LA needs wins badly. If they put up a huge spread, they might nurse it to a 21-point or better victory with James and Davis not seeing any garbage time in the name of preservation. That could hurt their stats accordingly. The same game parlay works out to +425 (bet365).
Featured: ATP Ranking Projections
