The Raptors have been one of the bigger surprises in the NBA this season, but do they have enough to win outright on the road in Portland, or will the Blazers shut down this undersized Raptors team? Let’s take a look at the NBA odds and make our pick.
Monday, November 15, 2021 – 10:00 PM EST at Moda Center
Toronto has proven so far this season that they are not to be taken lightly. Even though they may not make the playoffs and will likely use this season as a springboard into next season, there have been some really bright spots at times.
The play of Scottie Barnes has been incredible, so much so that he may win Rookie of the Year. Fred VanVleet has been amazing as always and they just got back Pascal Siakam, which will only help them on both ends of the court.
Their defense has been stellar at times too, but the issues have been when that defense doesn’t show up to play. Toronto has the defense to shut down most NBA offenses, the issues arise when that defense isn’t working, because their offense can also have some pretty bad slumps at times.
Now they have to wipe that way against the Blazers, a team most people are choosing not to take seriously this season. Portland is two games below .500 in the West and while most of the West is slumping, Portland’s troubles are just starting here in this one.
However, I’m not ready to back the Raptors on the road for several reasons. The first being their injury list is a mile long for this game. VanVleet, Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher are questionable here, and if none of these guys are able to play, it presents a ton of issues for the Raptors on both sides of the ball. Portland has yet to release their injury report due to playing last night on the front half of a back-to-back, but these things also present us with some openings to make some money here in this spot.
For starters, if VanVleet doesn’t play for Toronto, that will make their already shaky offense plummet. Even against a poor and tired Blazers defense which just gave up 124 points to the Nuggets 24 hours ago, this Raptors team may struggle to score if VanVleet doesn’t play.
It could be even harder early on to score because one area the Blazers’ defense has actually been good this season is their first half defense at home. Over the course of six home games this season, the Blazers are one of only six teams that are holding their opponents to less than 100 points per 100 possessions in the first 24 minutes.
There have been some good opponents in there as well. They have played both LA teams, Memphis, Sacramento and the Pacers at home this season. Over their last five first halves played at home, the Blazers are allowing just 46.6 points. Combine that with the Raptors’ subpar and wounded offense on the road and the under is the play here.
I’m hoping the Blazers come out firing on defense in their first game back off a long road trip, and I’m also hoping we get some good injury news our way on VanVleet and maybe even a Blazers’ player who is sitting out after a game last night. It’s a little speculation, but it’s also a good play to make at top sportsbooks regardless of who suits up, so it can only get better for us if injuries fall our way.
NBA Pick: Under 108.5 (-110) 1st Half at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.