Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
January 23, 2016
Date & Time: Sunday, January 24, 6:00 PM
Venue: Air Canada Center (Toronto)
Head to head record
Los Angeles Clippers vs Toronto Raptors 80-91 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers 93-73 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers 123-107 (2014/2015 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Toronto Raptors 98-110 (2014/2015 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers 64-60 (2014 Las Vegas Summer League)
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers prediction
Air Canada Center will host Sunday’s game between Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers, with the hosts hoping to extend their winning run in past meetings to six games. And with both teams having been in fine form of late, a highly entertaining clash is on the cards.
Seven consecutive wins
Toronto Raptors have been producing brilliant displays of late. Thanks to a 101-81 victory over Miami Heat, Dwane Casey’s men extended their winning run to seven games and it has to be noted that they sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Raptors are enjoying a very successful season and they are on the right track to book their place in the play-offs. This is their first seven-game streak since 2002 and key player DeMar DeRozan looks unstoppable at the moment. The pacey guard is averaging 23.3 points per game and no doubt he will pose a big threat for Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening after scoring 33 points in the 101-81 win over Miami Heat. Toronto have been impressive at their Air Canada Center this term and you should bear in mind that they are eyeing their 15th home win of the season. Dwane Casey’s team are currently on a three-match winning run at home.
Forward DeMarre Carroll misses the match through a knee injury, but coach Dwane Casey has no other injury worries ahead of the visit of Los Angeles Clippers.
No Griffin, no problem
Griffin-less Los Angeles Clippers did remarkably well to record a thrilling 116-88 win at New York on Friday night. Doc Rivers’ men quickly recovered from a 115-102 loss and it has to be noted that Chris Paul keyed the win over Knicks, scoring 16 points, while adding 13 assists. In Blake Griffin’s absence, CP3 will be the man to watch in the away team and it is important to note that he has been averaging 21.1 points per match in January. Los Angeles Clippers have recorded seven wins in previous eight matches on the road and they are certainly capable of registering a victory over Toronto that will help them move one step closer to climbing to fourth place in Western Conference. However, the fact that Doc Rivers’ men failed to beat Raptors in previous four meetings in the NBA is not giving the fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Canada. Anyhow, you should have in mind that Clippers scored 358 points in total in previous three games.
Blake Griffin is unlikely to be risked, but coach Doc Rivers has no other selection worries ahead of the Toronto game. Rivers rested all of his starters in the final quarter in the win over New York.
Interesting Facts
- Toronto scored 100+ points in each of their previous five home games
- Raptors are eyeing their sixth consecutive win over Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Clippers scored 103+ points in last six games
- Clippers are after their fourth away win in January
- Doc Rivers’ men scored a total of 153 points in previous two meetings with Raptors
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers betting pick
As I have already mentioned, both sides have been producing good performances of late, but seeing that L.A. Clippers head into Sunday’s game without Blake Griffin, I am tempted to put my money on Raptors, who are eyeing their eighth consecutive win in the league. The hosts are tough to beat at their Air Canada Center and, taking everything into account, home win should be considered this time out.
Pick: Toronto Raptors to cover the spread
Odds: -110
