Raptors vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

The Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the pressure of the schedule when the Toronto Raptors come to town on Sunday.

Los Angeles is playing the second game of a back-to-back and its fifth game in seven days. That aging is reflected in the list of key players who are already gone.

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The recent return of small forward Rui Hachimura helps, too Raptors vs. Lakers predictions expect him to pick up the pace — especially from beyond the arc — in this strong rotation against Toronto.

Here are my top NBA picks for January 18.

Raptors vs Lakers prediction

Raptors vs Lakers is the best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 in three (+160)

Rui Hachimura has been limited to minutes since returning from a calf injury on January 13, coming off the bench as he returns to form.

Given the state of the Los Angeles Lakers heading into Sunday, Hachimura has a significant chance to play more time and return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench for the past three games.

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Meanwhile, Hachimura is a combined 3 of 10 from beyond the arc with limited touches on offense. Before he went down with a calf strain, he was one of the Lakers’ top threats and was averaging more than 30 minutes a game.

“He’s our best catch-and-shoot guy,” LA coach JJ Redick told reporters of Hachimura. “He’s one of the best guys in the league.”

Los Angeles is already missing point guard Austin Reaves and could be without guards Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and center DeAndre Ayton tonight – all listed as questionable.

On the season, Hachimura is averaging just 13 points per game, shooting a team-leading 43.3% from beyond the arc and 1.7 triples per contest.

The players’ speculation on Sunday night angers Hachimura, considering his limited minutes this month. Those predictions remain between 1.2 and 1.4 from afar, but I believe there is a margin of Over 1.5 if I think about how LA is running in the second outing back to back.

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Raptors vs Lakers for the same game

The Toronto Raptors have been very good at coming back from losses this season. The Raptors have won six of their last seven games since losing, dating back to December 23rd.

Hachimura was in minutes in his first three games back from injury. Los Angeles may be forced to play him more in a slower rotation tonight.

Scottie Barnes is crashing the boards with a depleted LA lineup, possibly missing their only true big man.

Raptors vs Lakers SGP

• Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 out of three

• Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds

Our SGP “from the city”: Dino-Might!

Los Angeles is sore and tired, playing its fifth game in seven days.

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Hachimura will get more touches when LA’s backcourt is depleted.

Barners is expected to have more than nine rebounds tonight.

Immanuel Quickley was projected for over 18 points against LA’s small field.

Raptors vs Lakers SGP

• Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 out of three

• Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds

• Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points

Raptors vs Lakers odds

• Spreading: Raptors -1.5 | Lakers +1.5

• Moneyline: Raptors -125 | Lakers +105

• Above/Below: Over 223.5 | Less than 223.5

Raptors vs Lakers betting style to know

The Over is 5-2 against the Lakers this season. Find more NBA betting tips for Raptors vs. Lakers.

How to watch Raptors vs Lakers

Raptors vs Lakers latest injuries

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