Los Angeles Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
Where: Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
When: Monday, February 6, 2017 – 7:30 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+6) at Toronto Raptors (-6); total: 215.0 – view all NBA lines
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Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers (31-20)
It’s been quite the roller coaster ride for the Clippers this past five weeks. After concluding 2016 with a six-game losing streak, they raced through seven consecutive wins in January, only to take another step back by going 2-6 (3-5 ATS) in their next eight games. In the middle of it all, they also lost All-Star Chris Paul for 6-8 weeks (thumb).
The Clipps defense has really shown a significant decline, as evidenced by them giving up a whopping 118.9 points and 30.3 assists per game in the current eight-game stretch. In Sunday’s 107-102 defeat to Boston, they displayed the poor D as well, with seven Celtics being able to reach double-digit points.
Due to the struggles, they have dropped all the way to 16th in the defensive efficiency rankings, far from the consistent top three spot they had in the early parts of the season.
On offense, meanwhile, they have five active players that are averaging 10 or more points, which is of course led by Blake Griffin (21.4 PPG). The number two scorer is anyone’s guess, as Austin Rivers (18.1 PPG in the last month), Jamal Crawford (12 PPG), Mareese Speights (10 PPG in just 16.7 MPG), and JJ Redick (15.7 PPG) can suddenly expolde any night.
Betting on the Toronto Raptors (31-21)
The Raptors will be coming off a good, all-around 105-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets. They showcased a balanced offense by having six guys tally 10-plus points, including All-Star Kyle Lowry, who had his first triple-double of the season – 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was a much-needed W for the team, as they are just 3-8 in their last 11 games (4-7 ATS).
Lowry has been stepping up his play and production with his backcourt partner, DeMar Derozan, missing six of the last seven contests (ankle), averaging 27.7 points and 7.1 assists during the span. He’ll have to continue performing as such, since DeRozan is still not fully cleared to be available in the coming days.
The help should come from anywhere between Jonas Valanciunas, Terrence Ross, Cory Joseph, DeMarre Caroll, and Norman Powell. Those five guys are interchanging games being the second scorer in the past few contests.
Toronto last met the Clipps in November, where the latter won, 123-115. The fast-paced affair saw both teams shot above 50-percent from the field, but the Raptors’ mediocre defense made the most difference. Along with giving up 20 or more points to three opponents, they also allowed Paul and Griffin to combine for 19 assists.
Paul will not be causing problems from the other side, but the Raps playing the same kind of defense can definitely result in another loss.
Writer’s Prediction
The Raptors (-6) win, 109-100.
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