A new LeBronto era begins when Bronny James, his father and the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday, November 1.

The Lakers have dropped the first two games of this road trip after a 3-0 start, but will still be heavy favorites against a depleted Raps roster.

But will LA overlook a certain Toronto great? My Raptors vs. Lakers predictions tell you why a Jakob Poeltl player prop is the best of the NBA picks for this matchup.

Raptors vs Lakers prediction

My Raptors pick
Jakob Poeltl 15+ points (+110 at PointsBet Canada)

My analysis

With a win total of 30.5, it was always going to be a tough season for the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, the injury situation has made the start worse than expected.

Key reserves Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown started the season on the injured list and have since been joined by Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes. Quickley is day-to-day with a pelvic contusion, while Barnes is out at least three weeks with an orbital fracture.

Despite all those injuries and starting the season 1-4, these Raptors have been sloppy, covering the spread in four straight games. This was mainly due to a high-pace attack, in which many shots were made at a high percentage.

The Raptors enter this matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, who rank seventh in pace and 10th in field goal attempts per game. And with all the injuries they’re dealing with, much of that offense runs through veteran big man Jakob Poeltl.

The Raptors’ starting center has been one of the team’s most reliable scoring options so far this season, putting up 13.8 points while shooting 56% from the floor. He has scored at least 16 points in three of his last four games and is having a good game tonight against the Lakers.

Although Anthony Davis is a good defender, the Lakers seem to be starting the season more quietly on that side of the court. LA ranks 26th in defensive rating heading into this matchup and 21st in opponent points in the paint. Additionally, AD is a bit banged up and is listed as day-to-day in this matchup with a hip issue.

I’m taking Jak to continue attacking the paint in this matchup and taking his alternate point total of 15+ at +110.

Raptors vs. Lakers same game

Jakob Poeltl 15+ points

Jakob Poetlt 10+ rebounds

Austin Reaves Over 4.5 assists

Let’s stick with Jak for leg #2 of this parlay. A match with AD will probably mean another solid number of minutes for Poeltl. And while the Raps’ big man has been a good scoring option, he’s still put in his usual work on the glass.

Poeltl is averaging 12.8 rebounds per game this season and has pulled down at least nine boards in all five games. He had 10-plus in three consecutive games. The Raptors’ pace means more possessions in a game and more opportunities for boards.

Now, the Lakers offense should face little resistance in this game, as Toronto enters this game dead last in defensive rating. They also rank 24th in opponent assists per game, which makes me look to Austin Reaves.

Reaves has become a great secondary playmaker behind LeBron James and De’Angelo Russell, averaging 4.8 assists per game. With Russell also dealing with a back injury and facing a Raptors defense that is consistently beaten by the extra pass, let’s close out this SGP tonight with Reaves to go over 4.5 assists.

Learn how to parlay on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Raptors vs. Lakers Odds

Raptors vs Lakers live odds

Opening odds Raptors vs. Lakers

• Spread: Toronto +9 | Los Angeles -9
• Moneyline: Toronto +310 | Los Angeles -390
• Top/Bottom: Over 228.5 | Below 228.5

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada

Raptors vs. Lakers spread and over/under analysis

• The Raptors opened this matchup as 9-point home underdogs and they saw action early, pushing the spread to Toronto +8 before the Lakers buyback had advanced past the opening number and to 9.5.
• The Raptors are still short on players and playing poor defense, but surprisingly the Lakers’ defense was almost as bad, ranking 26th in DEF rating. I would fear a backdoor Raptors cover in this matchup.
• The total hit the board at 228.5 and early punters hammered the Over, pushing the number to 232.5 as of Friday afternoon.
• Even at this increased number I would lean towards the Over. Both teams have played poor defense thus far, and while the Raptors’ offense hasn’t been super efficient, their fast pace of play makes up for it.

Raptors vs. Lakers trend

The Raptors have achieved the Over in 12 of their last 15 games for +8.70 Units and a 53% ROI, including a 4-1 O/U this season. Find more NBA betting odds for Raptors vs. Lakers.

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Raptors vs Lakers latest injuries

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