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Trail Blazers vs. Raptors Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
5 minute read
Mar. 28, 2021
by Michael Crosson
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

Non-conference NBA action will resume on Sunday night with the Raptors set to host the Trail Blazers at seven o’clock eastern time in Tampa, Florida.

So, VI is getting you ready with a variety of betting resources to help handicap all the evening’s top matchups.

Trail Blazers vs. Raptors Betting Resources

Betting Odds - Trail Blazers vs. Raptors

Line Movements

Subject to Change

  • Spread: Raptors -1
  • Money-Line: Toronto -115, Portland -105
  • Total: 230

The Raptors head into Sunday’s contest as a 1-point favorite – snapping Portland’s three-game streak of being listed as a favorite.

While the total for this matchup currently sits at OU 228.5, which is a couple points lower than the ‘over-under’ set for the contest between these teams that took place back on January 11th (U 230.5).


The Raptors have lost 10 of their last 11 games as they look to bounce back against the Blazers. (AP)

Trail Blazers vs. Raptors Current Form-Last Game

The Blazers head into this matchup following wins in back-to-back games – with Portland’s latest defeat coming at the hands of the Nets this past Tuesday.

Damian Lillard sat out with a bruised left knee during Portland’s most recent affair against the Magic, but the unavailability of the All-Pro guard’s services didn’t appear to hamper Portland much on the way to another victory – as five different Blazers eclipsed double-digit scoring in the contest, highlighted by 22 points apiece from C.J. McCollum and Norman Powell.

On the other hand, the Raptors have split their last two matchups SU and ATS. Prior to those two games though, Toronto rode a nine-game losing streak SU dating back to March 3rd.

The Raptors' most recent affair resulted in a four-point loss to the Suns, which was a contest Toronto had absolutely nothing going from long-range in – shooting 12-44 (27%) from beyond the arc, as a team.

Trail Blazers vs. Raptors Head-to-Head

  • Jan. 11, 2021 - Trail Blazers 112 vs. Raptors 111, Toronto +4.5, Under 230.5

The Trail Blazers have won two of their last three regular season meetings against the Raptors – with their most recent victory over Toronto coming this past January.

Six different Toronto players eclipsed double-digit scoring in that contest – led by 22 points from Pascal Siakam.

The Raptors' offensive efficiency in that matchup still wasn’t enough to compete with Lillard and McCollum though, as Portland’s starting frontcourt nearly combined for half their team’s points at a 51.4% clip in a one-point victory for the Blazers.

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

Portland Trail Blazers Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 27-18 SU, 22-23 ATS, 25-20 OU
  • Road: 13-9 SU, 13-9 ATS, 13-9 OU

Newly acquired, Powell left his fingerprints all over Portland’s latest victory over the Magic – pacing his new team with 22 points on 7-13 from the floor during his Blazers-debut.

Make note though, Lillard did not participate in that game, and he has now been upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s matchup. If Dame is able to return, I have to imagine Powell’s offensive role will significantly decrease in his second outing with Portland.

High-scoring shootouts have been the common trend in Blazers games so far this year, with the ‘over’ cashing at a 55.6% clip in matchups containing Portland.

The Blazers have gotten caught in a few defensive battles recently though, leading to the total staying ‘under’ in four of Portland’s last eight contests.

Toronto Raptors Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

  • Overall: 18-27 SU, 20-25 ATS, 25-20 OU
  • Home: 9-11 SU, 9-11 ATS, 9-11 OU

Despite the Raptors splitting their last two matchups against tough Western Conference opponents – by stealing a win against Denver and taking a loss against the Suns – Toronto has still had a miserable month of March, currently sitting at 1-10 SU since the most recent calendar-turn.

High-scoring affairs have also been a common trend in Raptors games so far this year, with the ‘over’ sitting at a 25-20 clip in matchups containing Toronto. Make note though, the total has stayed 'under' in five of the last eight Raptors games.

Key Injuries

Portland Trail Blazers

  • PG Damian Lillard: Knee - Questionable
  • SF Nasir Little: Thumb - Out

Toronto Raptors

  • None

Player Prop Best Bet

OG Anunoby – Over 14.5 Points (-114)

After missing Toronto’s first eight games in the month of March with a calf strain, OG Anunoby has now scored 15 or more points in all four games he has participated in since his return from injury – which includes a 23-point performance across 28 minutes during the Raptors most recent victory over the Nuggets.

I’ll back Anunoby to make it five straight games with 15+ points here, in what should be a relatively high-scoring affair with Portland.

Trail Blazers vs. Raptors Prediction

The Trail Blazers enter Sunday’s contest having won five of their last seven games – with Portland’s only losses across that stretch coming against the Nets and Mavericks.

While the Raptors head into this matchup as losers in 10 of their last 11 games – with Toronto’s only victory during that timeframe coming against the Nuggets.

I’ll back Portland as a short underdog on the road here, considering the Blazers have already proven that they are much better than Toronto this year, even without Lillard at full-strength.

Score Prediction: Trail Blazers 119, Raptors 109
Best Bet: Portland +1

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