Toronto Raptors @ Los Angeles Clippers Game Preview and Prop Pick

The Toronto Raptors will continue their road trip tonight as they head to Los Angeles to take on the struggling Clippers. We’ll preview the game before going over my best prop play for the action.

Game Preview

The return from the All-Star break has been nothing short of a disaster for the LA Clippers, as they have gone 1-5 in their six games back. In those six games, the Clippers' NET rating of -6.2 ranks 25th in the league, with their defensive numbers being the primary reason for that.

Los Angeles has the second-worst defensive efficiency rating in the NBA since the break at 121.9. Even in their most recent game, where they were able to snap their five-game losing streak, they still allowed 129 points to a depleted Memphis Grizzlies team. The six opponents the Clippers have faced so far in the second half of the season have averaged a field goal percentage of 51.3%, with the Clippers 29th in that category.

When the two teams met earlier in the season in December, the Clippers managed to pick up the win, but they look like an entirely different team since that game, with the additions of players like Russell Westbrook. The buyout acquisition has been inconsistent on the offensive end since joining LA, and he will be challenged tonight by a Raptors team that ranks 6th in defensive rating post All-Star break.

Toronto has played seven games since their return and managed a 4-3 record in that span. Despite the winning record in that stretch, their NET rating is still -2.8 and ranked 18th in the league. The solid defensive play has not been able to outweigh their offensive inconsistencies and the fact that they rank 24th in offensive efficiency over those seven games.

Prop Pick for the Game

For my prop play in this one, I’ll be targeting Eric Gordon over 1.5 three-pointers made, which is currently listed on DraftKings Sportsbook at (+105). Gordon has gone over this number in three straight games and has also seen a spike in playing time in that span. Over his last ten games, he is shooting 41.5% from deep, and he will have an ideal matchup tonight against the Raptors.

Since the return from the break, the Raptors have allowed the highest opponent three-point percentage at 43.6%. In their most recent game, the Raptors allowed the Nuggets to knock down 13 threes in the game, and the Clippers are getting the same percentage of their points (33.1%) from three as Denver has in the second half of the season.

The Clippers need to get some spark or momentum on the offensive end of the floor, and with Toronto’s inability to run shooters off the line, they should be able to find success early and often from deep. Gordon has produced in all three games in his expanded role, and I think that success will continue from three.

Recap

• Eric Gordon Over 1.5 Three Pointers Made (+105)