The Lede: Raptors Push All-In
By Matt McEwan in NBA Basketball
Updated: January 17, 2018 at 9:39 am ESTPublished:
Don’t have time to read through 1,000 words, but need some informed betting tips? Here’s a quick rundown on today’s biggest sports story, and how it impacts the way you should bet. Missed yesterday’s? See it here.
Toronto Raptors Make Another Move
When the Toronto Raptors sent Terrence Ross and a first-round pick to the Orlando Magic for Serge Ibaka, it addressed the team’s biggest need since Chris Bosh left for South Beach: an athletic power forward. Ibaka brings a physical low-post game, the ability to stretch the floor, and (most importantly) a rim protector. But Raptor president Masai Ujiri was not finished there. A couple hours before yesterday’s (3:00 PM ET) trade deadline, the Raps also acquired P.J. Tucker, a well-respected wing defender.
The two new additions will make a significant impact for the 33-24 Raptors. Ibaka is set to make his debut at home tonight against the Celtics, and there is a chance Tucker will too. Toronto currently sits 7.5 games back of Cleveland for top spot in the east, and four games back of Boston for the two-seed. With 25 games remaining, I expect the Raptors to finish strong and make a push for the second-seed in the east.
The climb starts tonight, and I see Toronto coming out of the break rolling.
Editor-in-Chief; Sports Betting Expert
With nearly a decade working in the industry, Matt is a seasoned sports betting veteran. He got his start with SBD in 2016 and worked his way up the ladder to become the Editor-in-Chief. Along the way he has done everything from reviewing sportsbooks to creating proprietary sports betting tools.
