The NBA preseason is underway, and the Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors game ended with a 125-98 Raptors victory. The Raptors 2024-25 season may be an improvement on last year, but they are still far from contention in the Eastern Conference. With prospects like Cooper Flagg likely entering next year’s NBA draft, the Raptors could be incentivized to tank as they did last season. Our 2024-25 NBA season betting preview will look at the Raptors odds and see if taking their win total is worth your best NBA futures bet.
2024-25 NBA Betting Preview: Toronto Raptors Win Total Odds
*All Raptors odds are courtesy of FanDuel.com*
Rebuilding Era
The Toronto Raptors are finalizing a trade to send OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for a package including RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and draft considerations, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Z81TH1EexF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 30, 2023
After last season’s trade deadline, the Raptors rebuild looked much more fully formed. They traded for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, two young players with a lot of upside. As Scottie Barnes continues his ascent to NBA stardom, the Raptors have brought in more high-potential young players to pair with him.
The Raptors won 25 games last year, giving them the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference. They ended the season poorly, winning just six of their final 27 games. That stretch included significant absences, with Barnes sitting out the last 22 games and Quickley missing nine. This resulted in the Raptors going under their projected win total of 36.5 games.
“I learn from everyone on our team, especially IQ. He’s a really good Point Guard in our league.”
Toronto Raptors newcomer Davion Mitchell has high praise for his teammate Immanuel Quickley, and says he gets pointers from IQ on to help him become a better player. pic.twitter.com/Ous6LvDLZT
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) October 1, 2024
Building Chemistry, Adding Youth
The Raptors are running back essentially the same roster they ended last season with. They’ve added draft picks like Ja’Kobe Walter and Jonathan Mogbo, as well as traded for Davion Mitchell. Other than that, the Raptors are hoping their young core will develop and improve. Getting a full season to play together could help a lot.
Barnes is still improving each season, and Barrett and Quickley are far from fully developed as well. Last year’s draft pick, Gradey Dick, had a solid rookie campaign; he should improve with a full NBA season under his belt. Standing pat with major offseason moves may be worthwhile for the Raptors as their youth develops.
YEEAAHHHHH ROOK
@j_mogbo pic.twitter.com/bepI0RtV5P
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 7, 2024
Current Raptors Odds
Before the 2019-20 season, the Raptors were on an insane over streak. They surpassed their projected win total for nine straight seasons. Since then, they have gone under their win total in three of the last four seasons, including both of the last two seasons. This year, they are projected at 29.5 wins, with bettors leaning slightly towards the -120 over.
With a young roster centered around Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett, Toronto appears to be in a rebuilding phase. The team may not push for wins this season, especially considering the deep 2025 NBA Draft class. Instead, development seems to be the focus, which could result in another losing season as they look to secure a high lottery pick.
The Raptors win total provides an interesting choice. With a low total of 29.5 wins, there could be incentive to bet the over, especially if the team gels and remains healthy. However, given how they ended last season and the possibility that they may prioritize tanking over wins, the under may be a more likely outcome. This team can fall under the 30-win mark, but the Raptors are often underestimated.
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