The first day of March marks the return of the Raptors to Toronto and the Scotiabank Arena with a full capacity of 19.000 fans.
The back-to-back game against the Brooklyn Nets provides an excellent opportunity to make this a triumphant return for Toronto. Not only did the Raptors crush Brooklyn on Monday (133-97), but the problems for the Nets are still there.
Kevin Durant (averaging 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 36 games) has returned to practice and could play in the next game. Kyrie Irving will not have the chance to compete due to the well-known vaccination restrictions in Canada.
For his part, big man Andre Drummond will miss the game with right ankle soreness. The Nets will attempt to be more consistent on both ends, after a rather confusing performance on Monday.
On the other hand, the absence of Fred VanVleet (averaging 21.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists this season) didn’t seem to bother the Raptors. They outscored the Nets 71-48 in the first half, after getting 28 points from Scottie Barnes.
Traditionally, the Raptors have defeated the Nets 13 times in the last 15 home games. So I think tonight’s game will be no different, even if VanVleet misses this as well. The 36-point difference in yesterday’s game was clearly a lot, but I consider a home win with more than 10 points a safe bet.
Betting companies are offering this choice (Raptors to win -9.5) around the odds of 2.00-2.20.
Photo: Alexandros Tsakos/ Hedge Out
Luka Doncic to shine with or without LeBron James
In Crypto.com Arena of Los Angeles, the Lakers are facing the Dallas Mavericks in a must-win game to enter the play-in tournament.
Following the devastating home loss to the Pelicans (95-123), it’s extremely difficult for the Lakers (27-33) to directly qualify for the playoffs.
The 17-time NBA champions had a rough time on Sunday, shooting only 20.6% from beyond the arc and commiting 23 turnovers in total.
They even let 44 points in a devastating third quarter, let alone the booing from the crowd and LeBron James and Trevor Ariza’s feud with fans.
The Mavericks are on the opposite track, having won seven of their last nine games. A wild comeback from -21 vs the Golden State Warriors (107-101) gives them an excellent opportunity to get another W in Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic had a great performance (34 points, 11 rebounds) and I don’t think he will be affected tonight. My prediction is that he will have more than 50 points, rebounds and assists combined. It is reported that LeBron James might lose this game, however I’m sticking to this choice no matter what.
The Lakers can not guard him and even if James plays, Luka will have an extra motivation. The odds for that (over 50.5 pts, rebs, assts) are around 1.85-1.95.
Toronto to win -9.5
Luka Doncic over 50.5 points/rebounds/assists combined
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