It was tough to be too critical when the depleted Toronto Raptors were piling up losses, but they don’t get a pass with a healthy roster – so it’s time to step up as they host the Golden State Warriors tonight.

Toronto has dropped five games in a row, but Golden State is going through its own wobbles, and my Warriors vs Raptors predictions look for the hosts’ franchise cornerstone to lead the charge.

Check out my NBA picks for this January 13 clash, with both teams in major need of a victory.

Raptors vs Warriors prediction

My Raptors pick
Scottie Barnes Over 19.5 points (-115 at PointsBet Canada)

My analysis
If the Toronto Raptors are going to take some positives out of this season, the revival has to start with Scottie Barnes playing like an All-Star.

It’s reasonable to have some growing pains as he, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett finally get more reps together. But at some point, Barnes has to be the guy that says “I’ve got this”, with a higher usage rate and a willingness to take 20 shots a night.

We’ve seen a little more of that so far in January, with 20 points or more in four of his six outings this month while shooting 54% from the field. But Saturday’s 5-for-14 shooting night against the Detroit Pistons just isn’t going to cut it.

That calls for a response here, and I like the Over on Barnes’ points prop tonight, with Toronto striving to halt a worrying skid.

With Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II ruled out, Draymond Green listed as questionable and Andrew Wiggins feeling his way back after a two-game absence, it’s fair to wonder whether the Golden State Warriors wing defenders can contain the combo of Barnes and Barrett.

Barnes should see fewer double teams with more offensive firepower around him, and Darko Rajakovic has trusted him to anchor bench-heavy line-ups. Those minutes, in particular, have to feature Barnes as an assertive scorer.

The Warriors’ erratic form doesn’t give me confidence, and I see Barnes jumping out to a fast start and serving up another outing with 20+ points.

Raptors vs Warriors same-game parlay

Scottie Barnes Over 19.5 points

Raptors +5.5

Trayce Jackson-Davis Over 8.5 rebounds

Seven of Toronto’s eight wins have come at Scotiabank Arena, and this 5.5-point line feels high given Golden State’s recent wobbles. The Raptors have a cleaner bill of health, and they’re 21-17-1 ATS this year.

The Warriors are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 outings and, though the Raptors are even worse at 2-8 ATS in that span, I’m trusting the hosts to hang around in this one, particularly after a strong display from Quickley at the weekend.

I’m also taking the Over on Trayce Jackson-Davis’ rebounds tonight to round out my SGP. He’s had back-to-back games with 10 boards, and he’s got a path to steady minutes in the high 20s in Golden State’s starting line-up.

Toronto’s lack of spacing and 3-point shooting are no secret at this point, and Jackson-Davis should have plenty of opportunities on the glass, with the Raptors shooting just under 35% from downtown this season.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Raptors vs Warriors odds

Raptors vs Warriors live odds

Raptors vs Warriors opening odds

• Spread: Toronto +4.5 | Golden State -4.5
• Moneyline: Toronto +164 | Golden State -188
• Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada.

Raptors vs Warriors spread and Over/Under analysis

• Skepticism around the Raptors is reasonable after nine losses in their last 10 games, but the Warriors have dropped three of their last four contests and are 9-9 on the road.
• Golden State has only hit the 1H Moneyline in 29 of its last 63 games while slipping out of the playoff spots in the West.
• The Over is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings between these teams, including five of the last six matchups.
• The Under has been a winning ticket in 30 of the Warriors’ last 43 road games, but the visitors are attempting the third most 3-pointers per game this season (41.4).

Raptors vs Warriors trend

The Raptors have hit the Over in 18 of their last 25 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Warriors.

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