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After a promising 3-0 start that quickly plummeted to 3-2, the LA Lakers are now in danger of squandering a solid start to their NBA 2024-25 season. They are 0-2 in their five-game road trip, and the onus will be on arresting the two-game losing skid when they play the struggling Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on Friday (Nov. 1).
The Raptors are one of the rebuilding sides this season, and they head into the matchup on the back of three consecutive losses. In addition, they have some key names sidelined when they host LA. They opened their season with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but notched up a win against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, they couldn't capitalize on the momentum and dropped games against the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Charlotte Hornets.
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The Lakers have a winnable matchup in the form of the short-handed and struggling Raptors. The Friday clash can see them get back to the win column if they get their execution right against one of the worst defensive teams in the league so far this season. This could also be the opportunity where the likes of D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves can put themselves back into form after an offensive dip in the ugly loss to the Cavaliers earlier this week.
The two teams meet twice this season, with their next matchup slated for Nov. 10. The Lakers won both their games against the Raptors last season. They also hold a healthy 33-22 lead over Toronto in their head-to-head regular season games.
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LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors preview predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors clash tips off at 7:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on Spectrum SportsNet. The contest can be streamed live on Fubo TV, and the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass. Fans can also listen to the game on ESPN LA 710/1330 KWKW.
Here's a look at the odds as listed at the time of writing.
LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors preview
LA has corrections to make. The last two games saw familiar problems come to rise to the surface — outpaced on offense, erratic transition defense, turnovers, and more importantly, lack of contributions from the bench on both ends of the floor. The Suns and the Cavaliers highlighted exposed ample chinks in LA's armor that will hurt them going up against faster and better-placed scoring teams.
JJ Redick spoke of making or not making mistakes against quality teams, and Anthony Davis called their stagnant offense "god awful" after two losses in a row. This will be the game where the unit has to fire in unison to extend their record against a side that's taken a personnel beating on aspects of the game.
The Lakers should be aware of the RJ Barrett threat. Despite the absence of marquee names, the former Knicks star has been propping up a healthy 25.5 points per game. While LA comes in as a strong favorite on paper, this is still a matchup that needs a clinical win than just one of those victories that come off a tough scrap.
LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors predicted starting lineups
Barring any last-minute changes, the Lakers will stick to their regular line-up that's played every game this season.
LA Lakers Injury Report (Nov. 1): D'Angelo Russell (soreness) is listed as probable as is Anthony Davis (hip). Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) continue to be out.
The Raptors will likely stick to the same five that started against the Hornets.
Toronto Raptors Injury Report (Nov. 1): Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (back), and Scottie Barnes (right orbital fracture) are ruled out. Immanuel Quickley (right pelvic contusion) is listed as doubtful. Ja’Kobe Walter (shoulder) is questionable.
LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors betting tips
LeBron James heads into the game with an o/u of -125/-110 on points. Anthony Davis is the key to watch out for -110/-115 on points and rebounds. Raptors forward RJ Barrett is worth keeping an eye on as well with -113/-105 on points.
LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors prediction
Unless the Lakers play horribly, this is one contest they can pocket and get back to winning ways. They are better-positioned on both ends of the floor even with key role players on the injury list. LA will course correct and win well on Friday.
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