514 Clippers (-9) over Raptors
The Clippers are coming off a few loses in row but they had key players in and out of the lineup while playing one of the best teams in the league in the Suns and also had one of the better players Kawhi Leonard return to the lineup in their last game after missing 5 games so players rhythms could’ve been disrupted. I think this is s great motivational spot for them to end their losing streak and with a win they’ll move back into the 3rd seed after the Nuggets lost last night. In their last game against the Nuggets they just didn’t play to their usual standards as they shot 43% from the field when they shoot 48% from the field. They still shot the 3 well as a team so I expect for that to continue as they’re the best 3P shooting team based on percentage and the Raptors are the 6th worst 3P shooting defense.
The Raptors are coming off a surprising upsetting of the Lakers while having so many of their key players out and 2 of those key players are listed as doubtful again in OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. Pascal Siakam had an amazing game going for 39 points but I think it’ll be more difficult for him to have a repeat performance going up against 2 of the better wing defenders in the league in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Also Marcus Morris should spend sometime guarding him as well. I think Kyle Lowry will also have a tougher matchup dealing with Reggie Jackson and Rajon Rondo as he didn’t have to deal with Dennis Schroeder in their last game because he went into health and safety protocol. I also expect a let down spot from the Raptors coming off a big upset win and having a day off in Los Angeles to enjoy it.