On the whole, the Raptors 2019 NBA championship was a perfect storm. Milwaukee let them off the hook in the Eastern Conference Finals. Injuries as much as Toronto took out Golden State’s dynasty in the NBA Finals. A miracle kills shot by Kawhi Leonard to eliminate Philadelphia was part of the story. Rare is the day that an underdog beats the NBA odds to win the title. In other words, Toronto will again try to steal a repeat title. Leonard is gone but the work ethic remains. The COVID-19 shortened schedule could crack the door of opportunity open.
2020 Toronto Raptors Odds to Win
| Odds to win NBA Championship: | +2200 |
|---|---|
| Odds to win the Eastern Conference: | +700 |
| Current Record: | 46-18 straight up, 35-28-1 against the spread, 34-29 over the total, 2nd place in Eastern Conference, 6.5 games out of first place |
2020 NBA Restart Schedule
Saturday, August 1, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: Los Angeles Lakers
Monday, August 3, 1:30 p.m. ET, NBATV: Miami Heat
Wednesday, August 5, 8 p.m. ET: Orlando Magic
Friday, August 7, 9 p.m. ET, TNT: Boston Celtics
Sunday, August 9, 2 p.m. ET: Memphis Grizzlies
Monday, August 10, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: Milwaukee Bucks
Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: Philadelphia 76ers
Friday, August 14, TBD: Denver Nuggets
Toronto Raptors 2019-20 Odds Overview
In this situation, not many gamblers are showing faith in the Raptors. Milwaukee proved to be the class of the Eastern Conference before the shutdown. It is that dominating performance that has made the Bucks prohibitive offshore betting favorites. Yet some bargain hunters are intrigued by Toronto. If for no other reason than they have exceeded expectations. Toronto combines a decent price and second-place standing. But Leonard took with him the impact star needed to win an NBA championship. One factor potentially in the Raptors favor is the shortened schedule. The long break slammed shut everyone’s momentum.
2020 Toronto Raptors Assessment
Emerging as a key asset for the Raptors is Pascal Siakam. The first time ever in his career as an All-Star indicates respect. Siakam is producing as Toronto’s leading scorer with 23.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Most important of all is the fact that he has not shied away from taking Leonard’s mantle. Siakam has won the trust of his teammates and coach Nick Nurse.
Second in scoring on the Raptors is Kyle Lowry. The six-time NBA All-Star is averaging 19.7 points per game. Lowry has been a foundation of Toronto’s franchise since 2012.
On the whole strong defense is what has kept the Raptors in contention. Toronto ranks second in the NBA for points allowed. Shooters find the Raptors defense quite punishing. To show the Raptors rank second-best for field goal percentage permitted. And first for stopping three-point shots.
Coach Nick Nurse Emerges at Upper Echelon
Fashion that Nick Nurse led the Raps to the NBA title in his first season as a head coach. The nurse joined the Raptors as an assistant in 2013. Owing to his player development in the D-League did Nurse earn a strong reputation.
2020 Toronto Raptors Keys to Success
To be exact a four-month break could prove tricky with the NBA betting odds. Offenses could well be out of rhythm. Likewise, a team-oriented team with a tough defense could provide betting value.