Lakers vs. Raptors Predictions, Odds and Key Players to Watch for Friday, November 1 (Bet

The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a strong start to the 2024-25 season, winning three of their first five games, but they lost last time out to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Friday could be a rebuilding day for the Lakers as they are nine-point road favorites against the Toronto Raptors, who are down several key players – Scottie Barnes, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk and Immanuel Quickley – all out or on in doubt – in this match.

Toronto is just 1-4 this season and has suffered some tough losses.

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, key players to watch and my prediction for Friday’s clash.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spreading

Money line

General

Lakers Injury Report

Raptors Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis: Through five games, Davis is averaging 30.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 54.6 percent from the field. He could dominate a short-handed Toronto team tonight.

Toronto Raptors

R.J. Barrett: With Barnes and Quickley not expected to play, the bulk of the scoring load in this matchup will fall on RJ Barrett (25.5 ppg). Since being traded to Toronto last season, Barrett is averaging 22.0 points per game while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3-point range.

The Lakers rank 11th in the league in net rating, covering the spread in four of their five games.

Anthony Davis was looking forward to the season opener, and while Jakob Poeltl isn’t the easiest matchup for the All-Star big man, Toronto does struggle to defend the paint – ranking 24th in the NBA in points allowed in the paint.

The Raptors are also 4-1 against the spread this season, but as their injury racket mounts, it becomes harder and harder to decide where they’ll attack from on a nightly basis.

As the Lakers look to bounce back from Wednesday’s loss, I’m ready for the points on Friday.

Pick: Lakers -9 (-115)

Odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Dewey NBA betting stats here (futures included). You can also follow my daily games at Bet here.