This Thursday night we have a potential NBA Finals preview as the 1st seed in the EAST Toronto Raptors host the NBA Champions Golden State Warriors! Toronto have been on fire this season with an NBA’s best 18-4 record and a currently on a 6 game win streak but no win has been bigger than it would be if they could get one tonight! Warriors have woke up from their slump and have won 3 straight and sit at 15-7 behind ridiculous play by Kevin Durant. Warriors are however banged up missing Curry and Green and this game may not be the best for judgement after whatever the outcome is.
Toronto Raptors
Raptors this season have been on fire and have undoubtedly been the best team in the NBA with an 18-4 Record. Raptors are currently riding a 6 game win streak and have been extremely explosive on the offensive end during it. Raptors are not only one of the best teams offensively but one of the best defensively too and with the depth that they have alongside a superstar Kawhi there really isn’t any surprise for their dominance this season. Raptors have a nearly fully healthy squad with only Norman Powell definitely out while Greg Monroe is listed as probable. Elsewhere everyone is healthy.
Predicted Starting Lineup – K.Lowry, D.Green, K.Leonard, P.Siakam, S.Ibaka
Injuries – N.Powell – OUT , G.Monroe – Probable
Golden State Warriors
Golden State have recently been playing really up and down in Steph Curry’s absence after their 10-2 start they’re 15-7 and have struggled mightily on the road. Kevin Durant’s explosion this past week has enabled the Warriors to grab a few wins to enter this game on a 3 game win streak but they were all home wins against Portland, Sacramento and Orlando who are good teams but not quite the challenge Toronto will possess tonight. Warriors are still going to be without Steph Curry and Draymond Green so for the Warriors it’s key that someone other than Klay and KD step up otherwise it could be a very long night for the champions. Cousins and McKinnie are also out while Damion Lee is Questionable.
Predicted Starting Lineup – Q.Cook, K.Thompson, A.Iguodala, K.Durant, D.Jones
Injuries – S.Curry, D.Green, D.Cousins, A.McKinnie – OUT, D.Lee – Questionable
Key Facts
Toronto Raptors have hit a 120 pt mark 5 times in their 6 game win streak and in each of their last 4 games. On fire!
Toronto Raptors are 2nd in OFF RTG (114.3) and 3rd in PPG (117.0).
Raptors are 7th in DEF RTG (106.0) and 6th in allowed PPG (108.1).
Raptors are 6-3 against above .500 teams this season.
Raptors have hit 110+ point mark in 10 of their 11 home games this season.
Kevin Durant is averaging 41 ppg in the current 3 game win streak for the Warriors scoring 32 44 and 49.
Warriors are 0-4 on the road without Steph Curry.
Warriors are 3rd in OFF RTG, however since Curry’s injury they’re in the middle at 15th (108.5) and their scoring average has dipped by 14 pts from 122 ppg with Steph to 108.2 without him.
Warriors have the 4th worst offensive RTG on the road in Curry’s absence (101.5). They average just over 100 ppg in these games.
Warriors are only 19th in DEF RTG (110.8) this season and 16th in OPP PPG (110.6).
Warriors are only 1-4 against above .500 teams in Curry’s absence.
Warriors have beaten Toronto 8 straight times. Yet to lose to them in Steve Kerr era.
Betting Tips and Predictions
It’s clear that Toronto are the massive favourites tonight and the bookies got it spot on. Raptors are tipped as 9 point favourites. As we’ve seen the Warriors are clearly missing Steph and Green, especially on the road. Even with KD dropping back to back 44 and 49 pt games the Warriors only just about managed to put away the Kings and Magic at home so they’re hardly playing well as a team. Raptors bench is far superior and as for now so is their starting lineup and they can match up with KD as they have Kawhi. Toronto’s crowd will be fired up, the team will seek to make a statement and we wouldn’t be surprised if there was a blowout win for Toronto. We anticipate Toronto to win this game around 120-105. They should be able to cover the handicap but it’s best to wait live until it drops to 5-6 pts if it does. Over/Under looks 50/50 but we’d advise a separate Warriors under as they really shouldn’t be able to score more than 105 against Toronto’s defence without Steph on the road.
Match Odds (Unibet)
Toronto Raptors Win – 1.24
Golden State Warriors Win – 4.25
Match Start – 30th November 2018 – 1am UK Time
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