The Raptors will be in front of their home fans on Friday, but developments suggest they may need home court advantage. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday at 7pm ET. The Raptors enter the game reeling from an eight-game losing streak, while the Thunder enter the game energized by their three-game winning streak.
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It's hard to win when you don't work as a unit and have 11 fewer assists than your opponent. The Raptors learned that the hard way Wednesday. Things couldn't have gotten any worse as they lost 123-89 to Sacramento. This result is not surprising considering this is the fewest points the Raptors have scored all season.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City defeated the Jazz 119-107 on Wednesday.
Much of the Thunder's success can be attributed to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 31 points, seven assists, and four steals, and Chet Holmgren, who had a double-double with 35 points and 14 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander didn't do much for the Thunder's cause against the Grizzlies on Saturday, but the same can't be said for this matchup.
Toronto has been on a rough road lately, losing 10 of its past 11 games, a notable dent in its 23-46 record this season. As for Oklahoma City, they've been incredibly strong, winning six of their last seven games, a nice improvement on their 48-20 record this season.
This is a contest where possession is likely to be a big factor. The Raptors haven't given up the ball easily this season, averaging just 13 turnovers per game. But it's not like the Thunder (who currently rank second in turnovers per game) are struggling in that department, as they only average 11.5 turnovers per game. Given these competing strengths, it will be interesting to see how their conflict plays out.
The Raptors fell short in their last game against the Thunder in February, losing 135-127. Will the Raptors have better luck at home instead of on the road?
odds
Oklahoma City is a 15-point favorite against Toronto, according to the latest NBA odds.
Oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this game, as the Thunder opened the game as 15.5 point favorites.
The over-under is 230.5 points.
Series history
Oklahoma City has won six of the last 10 games against Toronto.
- February 4, 2024 – Oklahoma City 135 vs. Toronto 127
- March 16, 2023 – Toronto 128 vs. Oklahoma City 111
- November 11, 2022 – Oklahoma City 132 vs. Toronto 113
- February 9, 2022 – Toronto 117 vs. Oklahoma City 98
- December 8, 2021 – Oklahoma City 110 vs. Toronto 109
- April 18, 2021 – Toronto 112 vs. Oklahoma City 106
- March 31, 2021 – Oklahoma City 113 vs. Toronto 103
- January 15, 2020 – Toronto 130 vs. Oklahoma City 121
- December 29, 2019 – Oklahoma City 98 vs. Toronto 97
- March 22, 2019 – Oklahoma City 116 vs. Toronto 109
