The Raptors visit the Spurs in what’s expected to be a notable matchup on Monday’s NBA slate.
The Spurs are off to their first 3-0 start since 2019, with Victor Wembanyama taking the next step to NBA superstardom and earning Western Conference Player of the Week. The Raptors are still working through their identity as a team, but have some respectable talent on roster. They enter with a 1-2 record.
The Spurs are 4.5-point favorites and hold -198 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Raptors are +164 with the game total set at 232.5 points.
This article will look at a preview and prediction for this Monday night matchup.
Raptors vs. Spurs preview, prediction
San Antonio is rapidly climbing the list of most entertaining teams to watch and are shaping up to be legitimate threats in the deep Western Conference. Wembanyama seemingly does something never seen before on a nightly basis with his unique size and abilities. He is averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and an NBA-best 6.0 blocks per game through the first three contests. He has tallied more blocks individually than 24 teams in the league and somehow these ridiculous stats don’t tell the entire story for how impressive he has been.
Devin Vassell is next on the team in scoring with 17.3 points per game and connecting on 45.8% of his three-point attempts to provide the proper spacing. Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle adds 17 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists while No. 2 pick Dylan Harper is averaging 16 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists while showing poise much beyond his years. San Antonio’s backcourt looks excellent, and De’Aaron Fox has even played yet. Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant round out most of the rotation.
In addition to Fox, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan and Lindy Waters III will each miss tonight’s matchup. The Spurs have wins over the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets thus far.
The Raptors enter with a 1-2 record, opening the season with a victory over the Atlanta Hawks. They then dropped back-to-back games to the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks.
Scottie Barnes’ development is encouraging, averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists through the first three games. Brandon Ingram adds 22.3 points and 7.0 rebounds of his own while RJ Barrett pitches in 20.3 points and 7.0 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley leads the team in assists with 7.0 per contest to go with his 15.3 points. Gradey Dick, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jakob Poeltl and Jamal Shead headline the depth. Toronto enters this matchup with a clean bill of health. Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Raptors vs. Spurs prediction, best bet
Toronto is a confusing team with there being a significant gap between when it looks its best and when it looks its worst. For stretches of games you can see the appeal of this versatile roster that can switch at every position and has plenty of scoring options. But there are also stretches where the roster feels far too redundant and it is as if teammates are stepping on each other’s toes. The defensive effort has been inconsistent and they have looked flat at moments.
This will prove problematic against the Spurs. There isn’t a solution for Wembanyama’s skillset, but this Raptors’ squad is more likely to struggle. The Raptors are at their best when attacking the basket, but Wembanyama takes this off the table.
The Spurs are more than just a one-man show with Vassell, Harper and Castle proving ready to impact winning right away. This trio of young guards plays with a confidence level one would not expect at their age. It’s possible they will be in the conversation for the NBA’s best backcourt soon.
Expect Wembanyama to set the tone on both ends and for the Raptors to lack the offensive firepower to score. I am backing San Antonio to cover the 4.5-point spread and giving some consideration to some alternate lines. The Spurs’ -9.5 spread is valued at +182 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. This is a particularly good bet because they’ve won two of their three games by double digits already.
