Raptors vs Lakers predictions, picks and odds for tonight’s NBA game
The Los Angeles Lakers feel tight on their schedule when the Toronto Raptors come to town on Sunday.
Los Angeles is playing its second game of back-to-back games and its fifth in seven days. That wear is showing on a roster that is already missing key players.
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The recent return of small forward Rui Hachimura helps, and mine Raptors-Lakers predictions expect him to pick up the pace, especially from beyond the arc, in this tight turnaround against Toronto.
Here are my top NBA picks for January 18th.
Raptors-Lakers prediction
The best bet between Raptors and Lakers: Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes (+160)
Rui Hachimura has had limited minutes since returning from a calf injury on January 13, coming off the bench as he looks to regain form.
Given the state of the Los Angeles Lakers rotation heading into Sunday, Hachimura has a significant chance to get more playing time and reinsert himself into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the last three games.
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In that span, Hachimura is a collective 3-of-10 from beyond the arc with limited touches offensively. Before suffering a calf strain, he was one of the Lakers’ top perimeter threats and averaged over 30 minutes per game.
“He’s our best catch-and-shoot guy,” Los Angeles coach JJ Redick told the media of Hachimura. “He’s one of the best guys in the league.”
Los Angeles is already missing standout guard Austin Reaves and could be without guards Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart and center DeAndre Ayton tonight, all listed as questionable.
On the season, Hachimura is averaging just under 13 points per game, with a team-leading 43.3 percent from beyond the arc for 1.7 threes per contest.
Player projections for Sunday night are a bit moderate for Hachimura, taking into account his limited playing time this month. These predictions are between 1.2 and 1.4 from distance, but I believe there is an advantage to the Over 1.5 given how I think LA works in the second of back-to-back outings.
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Raptors vs Lakers: the same game
The Toronto Raptors have been great at bouncing back from losses this season. The Raptors have won six of their last seven games following one loss, dating back to Dec. 23.
Hachimura was limited in minutes in his first three games after an injury. Los Angeles may be forced to play him more with the rotation depleting tonight.
Scottie Barnes bursts onto the field with a depleted Los Angeles lineup, in danger of losing their only true big man.
Raptors-Lakers SGP
Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes
Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds
Our SGP “from the center”: Dino-Might!
Los Angeles is tired and hurt and playing its fifth game in seven days.
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Hachimura will get more touches with Los Angeles’ depleted backcourt.
Barners is expected to have more than nine rebounds tonight.
Immanuel Quickley is expected to score 18+ points against a thin Los Angeles backcourt.
Raptors-Lakers SGP
Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes
Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds
Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points
Raptors-Lakers betting
Diffusion: Raptors -1.5 | Lakers +1.5
Moneyline: Raptors -125 | Lakers +105
Above/Below: Over 223.5 | Below 223.5
Raptors vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Over is 5-2 when the Lakers play without rest this season. Check out more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Lakers.
How to watch Raptors-Lakers
Position | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
Date | Sunday 18 January 2026 |
Suggestion | 9:30pm ET |
TV | TSN, SportsNet Spectrum |
Latest injuries Raptors vs Lakers
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here