Raptors vs. Lakers prediction: NBA odds, picks, bets

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Its a lame-duck slate in the NBA on Tuesday night, with the best game seemingly between the Timberwolves and Magic.

However, Im intrigued by this Lakers vs. Raptors matchup in L.A.

The Raps have been playing fast since their blockbuster trade with the Knicks.

The teams style has changed with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in the fold (and sans OG Anunoby).

The Lakers boast a solid defense, but theyre an aging, slower team, and a lack of athleticism could expose that defense Tuesday night.

Raptors vs. Lakers odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Raptors	+5 (-110)	+170	o235 (-110)
Lakers	-5 (-110)	-205	u235 (-110)

(Odds via Caesars)

Raptors vs. Lakers prediction

(10:30 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA)

Since Barrett and Quickley arrived north of the border, the Raptors are 3-1 while averaging a whopping 125 points per game.

Theyre also playing faster.

Compared t their season-long metrics, the Raptors pace is up about 2.5 possessions per game over the four-game stretch (from 99.4 to 101.9), and theyre scoring about three more fast-break points per game (from 17.9 to 20.5).

Even better, the Raptors are scoring more efficiently. Their effective field goal percentage is up about five points since the duo joined the squad (from 54.5% to 59.6%).

It feels like the Raptors are running and gunning.

They have three 20-point-a-night scorers between Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley.

Theyre getting out in transition at the leagues highest rate (18%), scoring the fourth-most transition points per possession (1.33), and generating the second-highest transition points added per 100 possessions (3.8).

Raptors_vs_Lakers_prediction_NBA_odds_picks_bets LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers. Getty ImagesThe Lakers boast the NBAs best half-court defense but are vulnerable when sped up.

They rank 25th in fast-break points per game allowed (15.5), 18th in transition points added per 100 possessions allowed (2.7) and 20th in transition PPP allowed (1.32).

As mentioned, the Lakers roster is a bit older and rustier, which can be exposed in the open court.

That said, the Raptors defense is nothing to write home about.

Theyre 18th in points per 100 possessions allowed (116.8) and 16th in schedule-adjusted defensive rating.

Toronto is particularly vulnerable at the rim, as they run small at the four with Siakam (6-foot-8), and Jakob Poeltl isnt an elite rim protector (+0.1 Estimated Defensive Plus-Minus).

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Behind that frontcourt, the Raptors rank 15th in percentage of shots allowed at the rim (32.3%) and 22nd in field goal shooting at the rim (67%).

Conversely, the Lakers live at the rim, which is easy to do when you have LeBron James and Anthny Davis running the show.

Theyre second in the percentage of shots taken at the rim (36.7%), seventh in shooting at the rim (68.8%) and second in at-the-rim PPP (1.28).

Plus, while the Lakers struggle defending in transition, theyre happy to jump out and run the open floor. They rank second in transition frequency (17%) and fifth in transition PPP (1.33).

Ultimately, I expect a fast-paced, highly efficient game between two up-tempo offenses in good schematic matchups.

So, I think were in for an uber-high-scoring ball game.

Ill happily grab the Over at 235 points, which is available at Caesars.

For what its worth, four of the past five matchups between the Lakers and Raptors have soared over the closing total. These two know how to score on each other.

Raptors vs. Lakers pick

Over 235 (Caesars) | Play to 237

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