The Toronto Raptors have become one of the more interesting teams to watch this offseason. Since being crowned NBA Champions in 2019, the franchise has been in limbo.
On one hand, they’ve shown a desire to remain competitive and push for the playoffs every year. For example, the Raptors sent a first-round pick and two second-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Jakob Poeltl leading up to the trade deadline.
On the other, they’ve also shown a reluctance to commit to their current core and direction, by way of allowing Fred VanVleet to sign with the Houston Rockets via free agency this summer.
Betting on the Raptors this season could be complicated if they zig when people expect them to zag. Let’s take a closer look at some Raptors prop bets that stick out.
Raptors Odds 2023
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Raptors Prop Bets 2023
NBA lines are current as of Friday, Aug. 18, at 8 a.m. ET. To see updated Raptors odds and lines, use the widget above.
Raptors: Miss Playoffs (-148)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Brooklyn Nets have a better chance of missing the playoffs (-184) despite having a higher expected win total than the Raptors.
Reports indicate that the team trading All-Star forward Pascal Siakam at some point this season is a matter of when, not if. Siakam is in the final year of his contract and has been rumored to be unwilling to sign an extension with any team other than Toronto, which negatively impacts his trade value.
Depending on if/when they trade Siakam and the package they receive for him, this roster may no longer be remotely competitive.
OG Anunoby, one of the most versatile two-way forwards in the NBA, could also be on the move this season. Anunoby has made it known that he is in search of a lucrative contract extension and a bigger offensive role. He’d be one of the most coveted assets in the league if made available.
The Raptors made an all-in effort to make the playoffs last season when they traded for Poeltl before the deadline, and it still wasn’t enough. Even with Siakam, VanVleet, and the addition of Poeltl, they lost to the Bulls in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Considering their current spot in the NBA Eastern Conference odds, this makes betting on the Raptors to miss the playoffs my NBA bet of the day.
Raptors: Exactly 29-32 Regular Season Wins (+425)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
In addition to the potential roster turmoil, the Raptors are also welcoming rookie head coach Darko Rajakovic to the NBA. Rajakovic was a member of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff before being hired by the Raptors to replace former head coach Nick Nurse.
Currently, Toronto isn’t a very ideal place to begin a head coaching career. The uncertainty surrounding key players such as Siakam and Anunoby makes this an unstable setting for a first-year head coach.
It would be a much easier transition if Rajakovic had a true point guard he can trust to operate as his coach on the floor. However, Toronto is still sorely lacking a floor general after letting VanVleet walk.
With their expected win total is set at 36.5, this is a creative way to bet the Under while giving yourself some added value. Expect the Raptors to struggle throughout the season and bank on them winning no less than 29 games, but no more than 32 games.
Scottie Barnes: Most Improved Player (+2000)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
After an incredible season that earned him the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes’ stats and advanced metrics took a bit of a hit in his second season. His regression in Year 2 allows him to show noteworthy improvement if he can regain the magic he captured in his rookie year.
Despite seeing increased usage in his second season, Barnes saw notable drops in his true shooting percentage and three-point percentage. Only 22 years old, Barnes has a long way to go in terms of improving his shooting ability, hence his spot in the NBA MIP odds.
One area Barnes was able to show improvement was his decision-making as a passer. His assist/turnover ratio jumped from 1.9 in 2021-22 to 2.4 in 2022-23, highlighting his ability to man the “point forward” position.
At 6-foot-9, his combination of size, athleticism, playmaking, and ball-handling enable the Raptors to run the offense through him in a hybrid point guard role.
Even after a down sophomore season, the former Rookie of the Year is still the future of the franchise and could be thrust into a bigger role this upcoming season sans Siakam, VanVleet, and potentially Anunoby as well.
Raptors Betting in Canada
If you’re interested in betting on the Raptors in Canada, be sure to read our Canada sports betting guide before doing so to find the best sportsbooks, sign-up bonuses, and more.
How to Bet on Raptors Games 2023
How to Bet Raptors Moneylines
For anyone new to sports betting, moneylines are probably the best way to start. All you need to do is correctly predict the winner of the game to hit a moneyline bet.
Several variables impact moneyline odds on a game-by-game basis. The quality of the opponent, a lineup change, injury, home/away splits, etc. can all impact the odds of a game.
Teams who are anticipated to win a lot of games are usually favored more times than not. So when they underachieve, it can be very damaging for bettors.
The Raptors had an expected win total of 45.5 games last season after winning 48 the year prior. Through the first 47 games, the team posted a 20-27 record and ended up finishing 41-41 in 2022-23.
Bettors may be reluctant to place wagers on the Raptors this season after being burned by them last season. However, now that the expectations are lower, they won’t be favored as often, potentially creating valuable moneyline opportunities.
2022-23 Raptors Moneyline Record: 41-41
How to Bet Raptors Spreads
The Raptors were an up-and-down team all of last season. They could never figure out how to win games consistently, and it ultimately cost Nurse his job. If you’re reluctant to bet on the Raptors moneylines after the instability last season and offseason turmoil, then betting on the spread is a good alternative.
Betting on spreads focuses on the margin of victory/defeat rather than the winner of the game. The Raptors can lose by 15 as long as they were sixteen-point underdogs.
2022-23 Raptors Against the Spread Record: 42-39-1
How to Bet Raptors Over/Unders
Over/Unders are a fun way to bet on games without having to pick a side. Forget correctly picking the winner and/or margin of victory and try wagering on the total score of the game.
The Over/Under for the Raptors in their NBA Play-In game versus the Bulls last year was 212.5, meaning both teams had to combine for at least 213 points if you bet the Over. The Bulls won the game 109-105, which means the Over cashed.
Last season, the Raptors shot 33.5% as a team from three-point range. That was the third-lowest percentage of any team in the NBA. Despite the poor shooting the Raptors displayed throughout the season, they were somehow a profitable team to bet the Over on.
- 2022-23 Raptors Over/Under Record: 46-36
