Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers 3/16/22: Starting Lineups, Predictions, Odds
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Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers Matchup Preview (3/16/22)
The Toronto Raptors (38-30) travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers (36-35) Wednesday night. The Raptors are riding a 4-game winning streak after beating the Spurs, Suns, Nuggets, and Lakers. Over that span, they own the 9th Offensive Rating and 6th Defensive Rating. The Raptors are coming off a 114-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They got off to a 30-6 start and thoroughly embarrassed the Lakers. Gary Trent Jr scored 28 points on 7/19 from the field, while Pascal Siakam contributed 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Rookie Scottie Barnes produced 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9/17 from the field. LeBron scored 30 points for the Lakers, and Talen Horton-Tucker added 20 off the bench. Overall, it was a disappointing game for the Lakers, which is becoming a common occurrence these days. OG Anunoby and Malachi Flynn are both out for this contest against the Clippers. Precious Achiuwa will start in place of Anunoby.
The Clippers are 6-4 in their last 10 games with the 25th Offensive Rating and 9th Defensive Rating. They have managed to stay afloat despite Paul George’s last appearance being on December 22nd. The Clippers are coming off a 120-111 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ivica Zubac took advantage of Jarrett Allen’s absence and produced 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists on 10/15 shooting. Amir Coffey scored 19 points on a sub par 35 FG%. Because Reggie Jackson was out, Luke Kennard got the starting nod. He chipped in 14 points, but he was an uncharacteristic 1/5 from three. The Clippers were down 6 entering the 4th, but they managed to send it to overtime. They lost 14-5 in overtime though because the offense couldn’t get going. Reggie Jackson is back against the Raptors, and Robert Covington is a game time decision. With Jackson back, Luke Kennard will be relegated to the be
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
The Raptors won the only previous matchup 116-108 on December 31st. Fred VanVleet had 31 points and 9 assists, while Pascal Siakam produced 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. OG Anunoby added 26 points on 50 FG%. The Clippers were led by Marcus Morris (20 points) and Reggie Jackson (17 points). In this game, I would normally like the Raptors to win again in a close game. They have the talent advantage, and the bench depth is relatively equal because of the Clippers injuries. Both defenses can limit the opposition, and I don’t trust the Clippers offense to consistently score. However, Gary Trent Jr and Fred VanVleet are game time decisions. Their health is scaring me here, so I am riding with the Clippers to win here.
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TV Schedule
Date: 3/16/22
Time: 10:30 PM ET
Arena: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
Channel: NBA League Pass
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Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Gary Trent Jr
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Precious Achiuwa
Toronto Raptors Analysis
The Clippers starting lineup has versatile defenders who can limit production on the perimeter, but the weakness so far has been Marcus Morris Sr. He’s struggled mightily to stop the pick and roll as well as isolation plays. Morris Sr can drop 20+ points, but he is a defensive liability around the basket. He will be guarding Pascal Siakam, who can take advantage of this weakness. In his last 7 games, Siakam is averaging 27.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 4.7 APG on 51.1 FG% and 45.8 3PT%. He is a lengthy forward who loves to isolate on offense. Siakam can torque his body and finish around the basket. Morris Sr has struggled to guard this exact type of player, so the Raptors should look to feed Siakam.
They have switched out Khem Birch from the starting lineup and inserted Precious Achiuwa instead. Birch was a liability who couldn’t finish around the rim or defend the paint. Achiuwa has been inefficient on offense, but his defense is much improved. He defends the pick and roll well and even has limited spot up shooters. I like the change for the Raptors since it makes their whole lineup a defensive plus.
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Amir Coffey
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: Marcus Morris Sr
C: Ivica Zubac
Los Angeles Clippers Analysis
With Reggie Jackson back, the Clippers can achieve their offensive heights. Jackson is a key scorer and playmaker who often orchestrates the offense. VanVleet is a better spot up defender than pick and roll defender, which bodes well for the Clippers. VanVleet will guard Jackson, who does his damage in the pick and roll. They can use the Jackson-Zubac combo to break through this Raptors defense and create offense. Achiuwa is a solid defender, but Zubac is 4” taller than him. Zubac can shoot a hook shot over him without being bothered too much. He’s averaging 20.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, and 3.0 APG in his last three games because the Clippers are making it a point of emphasis to give him the ball. I don’t think the Clippers will or should give the ball to Nicolas Batum often. Scottie Barnes is a ferocious defender, and I would not go anywhere near him.
Luke Kennard is scorching hot right now. Over his last 7 games, he is producing 13.6 PPG on an absurd 53.8 3PT%. That’s on 5.6 attempts per game also, so the volume is there. The Raptors bench is solid defensively around the basket, but perimeter shooters can give them problems. Kennard can flip this game completely and erase any Raptors lead from the starting unit.
Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers Daily Fantasy Picks
I like Siakam, Trent Jr, Jackson, and Zubac in this game. Siakam has a favorable matchup against Morris Sr here and has dominated in March. He also grabs rebounds and facilitates assists, which is the cherry on top for fantasy. Look for Siakam to have a line around 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Trent Jr is Luke Kennard but heavily boosted. Trent Jr can drop 40 points when he gets hot from deep, such as his 42-point performance against the Suns on Friday. Coffey is a solid defender, but Trent Jr always finds ways to get open. It’s just a matter of whether he hits his shots or not. For the Clippers, Jackson and Zubac will get the necessary volume for a big night. They also chip in a large amount of assists and rebounds, which will boost their fantasy numbers. I like both players to hit 20+ points here against the Raptors.
