20* Raptors/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +7.5

Toronto vs. LA Lakers, 03/08/2013 22:30 EDT, Score: 116 - 118

Point Spread: +7½/-105 Toronto

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Win

The Toronto Raptors are showing excellent value as a 7.5-point underdog to the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. This is one of the most underrated teams in the league due to their 24-38 record, but arguably not team in the league has suffered as many close losses this season as Toronto.

The Lakers always have a way of playing down to their competition. That was the case again at New Orleans on Wednesday as they had to rally from 25 points down to come back and win 108-102. They closed that game on a 20-0 run to steal a victory from the jaws of defeat. Off such an emotional win, look for the Lakers to suffer a letdown tonight against these Raptors.

Toronto has played Los Angeles very tough in recent meetings. Five of the last six meetings have been decided by 5 points or less, including a 108-103 home victory for Toronto on January 20th in their first meeting this season. Look for this game to go right down to the wire again tonight and to be decided by 7 or less either way. The Raptors are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

The Lakers are 19-40-1 ATS in their last 60 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Los Angeles is 15-36 ATS in its last 51 games following a S.U. win. The Lakers are 2-13 ATS in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. Bet the Raptors Friday.