Oklahoma City Thunder at Toronto Raptors ATS Prediction

betdsiArticles, Basketball, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder (42-29) travel to Air Canada Centre to meet the Toronto Raptors (52-17). Both teams will will attempt to continue their winning streaks. The Raptors are 6.5-point favorites and have won 11 games in a row, while the Thunder have won their last five games. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217 points and it will air on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds

Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Raptors defeated the Dallas Mavericks 122-115, while the Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers 121-113.

Oklahoma City’s 11.9 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 17.9. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 12.1, while the Clippers was above their season average of 12.7. Toronto, meanwhile, made good use of their 31 trips to the free throw line, making 26 of them (83.9 percent). Dallas was 13-18 (72.2 percent). Jonas Valanciunas had a solid performance for Toronto, finishing with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Steven Adams played a key role for Oklahoma City with 18 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks.

Ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Toronto commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.6 percent), while the gambling defense of Oklahoma City forces the most (opponents turnover percentage of 15.3 percent).

Of the Thunder’s 71 games, 38 have finished under the total. Oklahoma City heads into the contest with records of 42-29 straight up (SU) and 29-41-1 against the spread (ATS).

In opposition of Oklahoma City, just over half of Raptors games have finished over the projected point total. Moreover, Toronto owns records of 52-17 SU and 40-29 ATS.

Valanciunas has taken his game to another level recently for Toronto, averaging 17.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over the last five games.

In their first matchup this year, Russell Westbrook led the Thunder to a 124-107 victory. He registered a double-double with 30 points and 13 assists. Oklahoma City covered as a 4-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 231 points, which was well over the projected point total of 209.5. Oklahoma City had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 15.9). Toronto, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-26; 92.3 percent).

Oklahoma City Thunder at Toronto Raptors Betting Pick

Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Thunder average 44.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the league. The Raptors rank 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.2).
  • Oklahoma City averages 15.1 second chance points per game, which ranks first in the league. Toronto ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
  • The Thunder average 14.9 fast break points per game, which ranks third in the league. The Raptors rank 16th in fast break points allowed per game (11.8).
  • Toronto ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Oklahoma City ranks 15th (7.7).
  • Oklahoma City ranks fifth in rebounds per game (44.9) while Toronto ranks 14th (44.0).
  • The Raptors rank fifth in assists per game (23.9) while the Thunder rank 27th (21.4).
  • The Raptors average 6.0 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league. The Thunder rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
  • Oklahoma City averages 18.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. Toronto ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9).
  • Toronto ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (25.1) while Oklahoma City ranks 23rd (30.5).
  • When holding opponents under 100 points, Oklahoma City is 20-5 and Toronto is 24-5.
  • The Thunder are 38-15 when they reach 100 points, while the Raptors are 49-10.
  • Toronto is 19-15 ATS at home, while Oklahoma City is 14-21 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone under in 18 of the Raptors 34 home games, while 18 of the Thunder’s 35 road games have gone under.

BettingsTrends:

  • In their last five games, Oklahoma City and Toronto are both 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 100.4 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
  • The Raptors average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 8.8 for the season.