NBA Pick #1: 565 Los Angeles Lakers @ 566 Toronto RaptorsRating: 4 units - Regular PlayPick: Los Angeles Lakers (+8) (Play up to +7)Odds: -110 / 1.91 on Pinnacle Sports OR -110 / 1.91 on 5Dimes Toronto has four players whose on/off numbers show the negative impact it has on the team when they don't play: Ibaka, Siakam, Green and Lowry. For tonight, Toronto will be without the suspended Ibaka and the injured Lowry. The Raptors has been struggling with their second unit post-Gasol trade and I believe Lowry's absence will be important for the team's offensive motor.
On the other hand, the Lakers with Kuzma back on their last game played a decent starting unit, much different from the ones they had used in the previous games with horrible results. McGee provides good rim defense, Bullock spreads the floor, while Kuzma and Lebron take on the scoring role. I believe the LA team will be competitive tonight given Toronto's struggles on having to play without Lowry and so, I'll be taking the Lakers in here.