Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers: Match Preview and Predictions - 10th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers
Date & Time: Sunday, 10th November 2019 (9:30 PM ET)
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Last game results
Toronto Raptors (6-2): 122-104 win against the New Orleans Pelicans (8th November, Friday)
Los Angeles Lakers (7-1): 95-80 win against the Miami Heat (8th November, Friday)
Toronto Raptors Preview
After a middling start to the season, defending champions Toronto Raptors have won five of their last six games to rise to the second spot in the Eastern Conference Standings.
The Raptors had tempered expectations leading up to the 2019/20 campaign, but a surging start has renewed belief within the franchise that they can compete once again this season.
The Raptors have built up a head of steam with two comprehensive wins on the trot and they will now travel to Los Angeles looking to spring an upset against the Lakers.
Key Player - Pascal Siakam
The Raptors' decision to make Pascal Siakam the face of the franchise following Kawhi Leonard's departure in the off-season seems to be working.
Siakam has enjoyed a blistering start to the season, and is averaging 27.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Siakam poured in a career-high 44 points in Toronto's victory against New Orleans, and he enters this clash high on confidence.
With Kyle Lowry expected to miss the game against the Lakers, the onus will be on Siakam to do the bulk of the scoring.
Raptors predicted lineup
Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the new season optimistic about their chances of going all the way. Having secured the services of Anthony Davis, the Lakers were billed as favorites heading into the new season and they've certainly lived up to that tag.
After a disappointing loss in their season-opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers have reeled off seven successive victories to move to the top of the Western Conference Standings.
However, they will next play host to the defending champions, Toronto Raptors, who represent Los Angeles' sternest test since opening day.
Key Player - LeBron James
After a rather sedate start to the new season, LeBron James has silenced his critics with a few breathtaking displays.
LeBron, who is averaging 26.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game, has led the Lakers to a 7-1 start.
He recently became just the third player in NBA history to notch up at least 20 points in 1,000 games, joining Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the elite list.
LeBron has also been increasingly prolific from the free-throw line, shooting 77.8% this season.
Lakers predicted lineup
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, Avery Bradley, Danny Green
Raptors vs Lakers Match Prediction
The Lakers have won seven on the trot and look quite unstoppable at the moment. The LeBron James-Anthony Davis combination has proven too hot to handle for most teams and that could be the case once again on Sunday.
With Lowry possibly sitting out this game, the Raptors lack scorers who will be able to keep pace with the Lakers' prolific duo, and their nine-game win-streak against Los Angeles is likely to come to a screeching halt.
Where to Watch Raptors vs Lakers?
The game will be broadcast on Spectrum Sportsnet and ESPN from 9:30 PM (ET). You can live stream the game via NBA League Pass.