L.A. Lakers at Toronto Raptors

As a fan of the Toronto Raptors, the name Kobe Bryant makes you want turn the oven on high and stick your head in. Even if it was a few years ago, the famous 81-point night feels like it was yesterday. Now he is coming to town after torching the Knicks for 61. The good news (or bad) for many Toronto fans is you won’t be able to see the game because it is on TSN 2. Personally Kobe night as well take the night off. The Lakers second unit is good enough to handle the Raps. Last night it was closer than expected but that was only because the Cavs were bored by the end of the first quarter. This is a game where the Raps are not expected to win but it is a game where they need to show the home fans they give a shit. Hustle and fight and make it hard on the Lakers. Joey Graham has been one of the only guys doing that lately and it would be nice if it rubbed off on everyone else.  Anyways, I will be watching, just to see what a good basketball team actually looks like and that is about it.

Here is everything you need to know for tonight’s game.

The Goods

  • Bryant had 46 points in the Lakers’ last visit to Air Canada Centre, a 121-101 win on Feb. 1, 2008. He had 23 and Pau Gasol scored a game-high 24 as Los Angeles beat Toronto 112-99 at home on Nov. 30.
  • The Lakers are 25-0 this season when Kobe has scored 27 points or fewer.
  • The spotlight will be on Gasol to produce with Bynum injured, and he’s been outstanding so far on the Lakers’ road trip, averaging 25.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
  • Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal combined for 49 points in last night’s loss.
  • The Raptors are 10-17 on the road, and an especially disappointing 9-14 in Toronto. They’ve lost five of their last six at home, and were booed throughout the blowout loss to the Magic.
  • Bosh was limited to 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the Nov. 30 loss at Los Angeles.

For Bettors

  • The Lakers are 7-3-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
  • The favorite is 7-3-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.

Prediction

Everyone is expecting Kobe to score a pile. I think it will look more like last night where the Lakers are so far ahead, Bryant can sit out and relax. The Lakers bench it talented and fast and will destroy the Raptors. Lakers win 109-93.

Popularity: 1% [?]

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!