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Looking At The Vegas Betting Line For The Toronto Raptors

By Justin Rowan

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry (7) and DeMar DeRozan (10) sit together on the bench during a time out against Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guards Kyle Lowry (7) and DeMar DeRozan (10) sit together on the bench during a time out against Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.The Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The betting lines for the 2016-17 have been released. A look at what the Toronto Raptors must do to exceed expectations.

The 2016-17 NBA season is finally upon us. Most teams have made their moves for the summer and we can begin to predict where teams stand in relation to one-another. Over the years the Las Vegas betting lines have proven to be a useful tool in evaluating how teams stack up.

Last season the Toronto Raptors exceeded expectations with 56 wins, over the line of 45.5. This year Westgate Vegas Superbook has the Raptors line at 49.5. Will they once again exceed expectations?

The first thing that merits consideration is the improved Eastern Conference. If you want an example of how it’s improved, you don’t even need to look outside the Atlantic Division.

The Boston Celtics line is currently set at 50.5 wins, which means they are projected to finish second in the East and take the Atlantic Division from Toronto. The Raptors will play the Celtics four times this season. Last year Toronto went 3-1 against the Celtics.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Toronto Raptors

Considering how competitive these teams are expected to be, the season series may determine where each team finishes in the standings.

But the Celtics aren’t the only team that’s expected to improve in the East. The young Detroit Pistons surprised many by making the playoffs last year. They will count on that experience as well as internal growth to continue to move up the standings.

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The Indiana Pacers, who came within a possession or two from upsetting the Raptors in the first round, have also improved, trading for Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young as well as signing Al Jefferson.

Even teams that missed the playoffs in the East appear to have improved. The Washington Wizards are hoping to get healthy and return to the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks have a young, talented core that should be in the running for a playoff position.

The Orlando Magic have Serge Ibaka and Frank Vogel to help them take the next step. Plus we can’t forget the New York Knicks and their “superteam.”

The bottom line is wins will be tougher to come by this season. If you want an example of that, you don’t need to look further than the reigning NBA champions. The Cleveland Cavaliers were projected to win 56.5 games last season and are once again projected to win 56.5 games.

Last season, Kyrie Irving was to miss at least the first two months of the years. Now, with a completely healthy team the expectation is that they remain the same. Fewer wins for the Raptors shouldn’t automatically be viewed as a step back.

It’s just the reality of a more competitive conference.

Now, with that being said, there are still reasons to bet the over. Despite losing Bismack Biyombo this summer, the Raptors appear to be an improved team. Jonas Valanciunas broke out with an impressive playoff run prior to his injury.

Jared Sullinger will be a dramatic improvement over veteran forward Luis Scola. For the first time in his career, Sullinger could also be considered a defensive improvement over his predecessor in Scola.

In addition to that, internal growth from Valanciunas, DeRozan, Terrence Ross, Cory Joseph and Norman Powell should be expected. Plus, DeMarre Carroll likely will not miss as much time as last season.

While Biyombo will be missed, there’s reason to believe that the absence won’t hurt the team too much. The Raptors were 1.6 points per 100 possessions better last season with Biyombo on the bench. Where he made his largest impact was when Valanciunas missed time.

Assuming Valanciunas can stay healthy, the Raptors should be in good shape next season. If he were to miss time, that’s where things could get hairy. Jared Sullinger likely would be the team’s starting center should he go down.

That would mean rookies Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam would be expected to play meaningful minutes. While rookies can prove to be useful in limited roles, the reality is the Raptors haven’t insulated themselves well for a frontcourt injury.

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Injuries are always the biggest wildcard when it comes to how a team finishes. But if there’s one thing last season taught us, is that the Raptors find a way to rise to the occasion. Biyombo found a way to elevate his play when Valanciunas went down.

In addition to that injury, the Raptors were largely without prized free agent signing DeMarre Carroll for the bulk of last season. Rookie Norman Powell and the mercurial Terrence Ross stepped up in his absence and the team continued to win.

The Raptors possess a reliable coaching staff that is used to adjusting to adversity. So while injuries may strike, you can count on the team to adjust as well as possible.

Historically speaking, the Raptors core of Valanciunas, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have been durable and reliable. Despite isolated injuries, the trio have managed to remain on the court for the bulk of their time together.

Lowry has put a lot of work into getting in shape so that he can remain on the court. While DeRozan just received one of the largest contracts in league history in part due to his ability to be a durable workhorse.

Next: Over/Under Lines For All 30 NBA Teams

While the team may not win the 56 games they won last season, this is a proven, durable roster with a good coaching staff. Vegas usually wins, that’s why they are in business. But if you’re looking for a safe bet, the Raptors over looks like one.