This week in the NBA: The Raptors leading the way

Updated: 09/12/2024

Odds and preview of the NBA action

The second week of the NBA season has come and gone. The Western Conference has familiar look at the top but over in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors have flown out the traps.

We take a look over all the action from the hardwood and some of the key talking points from the last week…

Winners

Toronto Raptors

A 6-0 record cannot be sniffed at, even the Golden State Warriors can’t boast that.

The Raptors swept aside the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics in their first two games.

Kawhi Leonard has top-scored with 26.6 points per game. His team-mate Kyle Lowry has really turned up as well.

Milwaukee Bucks

The only other side with a 100% record is the Bucks. This start has been in complete contrast to the Bucks we saw last season who ranked 25th in 3-point attempt rate.

The ‘Greek Freak’ otherwise known as Giannis Antetokounmpo is a leading light.

Up next? It’s the Raptors. Something will have to give.

Losers

Cleveland Cavaliers

The loss of LeBron James has hit them hard. The 2016 play-off winners hold a 0-6 record.

They’ve just fired their coach Tyronn Lue and now star man Kevin Love could miss a month with a toe injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder

In the first three games of the season Thunder had only been able to get Russell Westbrook on the court for 35 minutes.

He did help his team to their first win against Phoenix Suns with a 23-point score.

But after losing their opening four games, the Thunder will hope their MVP stands up to be counted.

Big Talking Point

The Lakers snared the three-time NBA champion LeBron James from the Cavs in the hope he would lift them back into the play-off contention.

‘Bron hit a huge 35 points against the San Antonio Spurs but that hasn’t stopped the Lakers sinking to five losses from six so far.

The bans dished out to Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram compounded things.

It was clear success in LA may not be immediate but LeBron is a champion and will be keen to halt this losing-streak now.

Upcoming games

Monday 29th October

Portland Trail Blazers @ Indiana Pacers – Trail Blazers EVENS +4

Atlanta Hawks @ Philadelphia 76ers – 76ers to win at first half 2/7

Sacramento Kings @ Miami Heat – Heat to win -8 10/11

Brooklyn Nets @ New York Knicks – Knicks to win 5/6

Tomorrow’s picks

LA Lakers @ Minnesota Timberwolves – Lakers EVENS to win

Toronto Raptors @ Milwaukee Bucks – Bucks to win on Money Line 23/20

Golden State Warriors @ Chicago Bulls – Bulls to win first half 10/3

Click here for more NBA odds

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

Original source: http://news.coral.co.uk/basketball/this-week-in-the-nba-the-raptors-leading-the-way_.html

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