NBA Bet of the Day: Toronto Raptors @ New Orleans Pelicans
"The Raptors have not been good enough on defence and Ingram can have a big game to lead New Orleans to a fourth win of the season."
The Pelicans are off to a great start and Dave Gray thinks they can upset the odds against the Raptors tonight...
Los Angeles Lakers @ San Antonio Spurs
Sunday, 00:30 GMT
Live on Sky Sports Arena
Sluggish start for the Raptors
The Raptors finally got off the mark this season with a 17 point win over the Knicks. They did so without star man Pascal Siakam who was suspended by the team after leaving the floor early in their previous match.
It has been a really slow start for Toronto. Some of that can be put down to them having to set up a new base in Tampa due to travel restrictions between Canada and USA. But they are far too talented of a team to continue the poor form. Siakam will be back tonight and they can start to build momentum after that win last time out.
Toronto showed last season that they are one of the best teams in the league. They perhaps peaked a little soon in the bubble but they had every chance to go to the finals. They are a strong team defensively, but have been far from that at the start of this season. If they do not improve then the New Orleans are a team that can take advantage.
Ingram leading the way for New Orleans
The Pelicans have had a nice start to the season, including the blowout win of the Thunder on New Years Eve. Brandon Ingram leads the way with 22 points per game this season and is really emerging as an elite scorer. Zion Williamson continues to impress and Lonzo Ball is showing why he was so highly rated coming into the league.
They are improving all the time and will be a tough matchup for any team they face. They do need to make some changes, playing a little faster in particular, if they are going to emerge a a genuine threat, but they are a young, hungry team that has so much potential.
Young Pelicans have the edge
This is a tough game to call. I think at their best I would give the Raptors the edge. But with the form they have shown in the early part of this season I can't look past the Pelicans here. The Raptors have not been good enough on defence and Ingram can have a big game to lead New Orleans to a fourth win of the season.
Recommended bets
Back the Pelicans +1.5 @ 9/10
Back the Pelicans win and Ingram over 25 point @ 4/1
Back Ingram over 32.5 points/rebounds/assists @ 4/5
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