2015 will begin with a bang as the two first-place teams in the NBA’s two conferences will meet up on the second day of the New Year. The East-leading Toronto Raptors are hanging on by a thread at the top of the standings, making victory at “The O” vital. But can their outstanding offense get going against the West-topping Warriors’ shutdown defense on their imposing homecourt?
Read on below for our preview of this big-time battle of conference leaders. For more battles between the best teams in their respective conferences, check out the complete schedule of college football’s bowl season, which you can find right here.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland
When: Friday, January 2, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors faltered in the fourth quarter as they let a seven-point lead slip by in a 102-97 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Raptors are now 2-2 in their current six-game road trip.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Point guard Kyle Lowry once again led the way with 25 points, but he was an inefficient 10-for-26 from the field. Meanwhile, sixth man Lou Williams had an even more horrendous shooting night, going just 1-for-10 for seven points.
As a team, Toronto’s trademark offense – which had been the most efficient in the league – shot just 40 percent, including a ghastly 4-for-22 from beyond the arc. It’s the lowest percentage the team has shot since Nov. 13, when they shot 39 percent in a 100-93 loss to the Bulls.
But even with the defeat, the Raptors are still the NBA’s most efficient offense on the road, and by a wide margin. They’re averaging 113.3 points per 100 possessions on the road, almost three points better than the second-place Clippers and also three points better than their own mark at home.
Betting on the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have responded from last week’s back-to-back losses on the road against both Los Angeles teams by beating up on the two worst teams in each conference on their home floor. They took care of the Timberwolves, 110-97, on Saturday and demolished the 76ers by 40 points on Tuesday.
No starter played more than 30 minutes in the blowout win over Philly, leaving them well-rested for the visiting Raptors. Marreese Speights had a team-high 23 points, his highest output since being inserted into the starting lineup last Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ defense suffocated the Sixers into shooting just 38 percent from the field and 6-for-20 from the three-point line. The Raptors had a very difficult time against the Blazers’ much-improved defense, and could experience the same problems against a Warriors D that is the most efficient in the NBA.
That terrific defense has also helped the Warriors become the most dominant home team in the league. They are currently an NBA-best 12-1 (9-4 against the spread) at home this season with a remarkable 14.7 average point differential, a full four points better than the next best team.
Writer’s Prediction
The Warriors continue their dominance at home as they win and cover against the Raptors. Create a betting account now to be a part of more epic encounters between the best the NBA has to offer.
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