The Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the squeeze of the schedule when the Toronto Raptors come to town Sunday.
Los Angeles is playing the second game of back-to-back outings and its fifth game in seven days. That wear and tear is showing on a roster already missing key players.
The recent return of small forward Rui Hachimura helps, and my Raptors vs. Lakers predictions expect him to pick up the pace — especially from beyond the arc — in this tight turnaround versus Toronto.
Here are my best NBA picks for January 18.
Raptors vs Lakers prediction
Raptors vs Lakers best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes (+160)
Rui Hachimura has been limited in minutes since returning from a calf injury on January 13, coming off the bench as he works his way back into form.
Given the state of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation heading into Sunday, Hachimura has a significant chance of more playing time and re-insertion back into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the past three games.
In that span, Hachimura is a collective 3 for 10 from beyond the arc with limited touches on offense. Before going down with the calf strain, he was one of the Lakers’ premier perimeter threats and was averaging more than 30 minutes a game.
“He’s our best catch-and-shoot guy,” L.A. coach JJ Redick told the media of Hachimura. “He’s one of the best guys in the league."
Los Angeles is already missing standout guard Austin Reaves and could be without guards Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and center DeAndre Ayton tonight -all listed as doubtful.
On the season, Hachimura is averaging just shy of 13 points per game, with a team-leading 43.3% rate from beyond the arc for 1.7 triples per contest.
Player projections for Sunday night are a bit tempered for Hachimura, taking into account his limited minutes this month. Those forecasts sit between 1.2 and 1.4 makes from distance, but I believe there’s an edge for the Over 1.5 given how I think L.A. runs in the second of back-to-back outings.
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Raptors vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Toronto Raptors have been excellent at bouncing back from losses this season. The Raptors have won six of their last seven after a defeat, going back to December 23.
Hachimura has been on a minutes limit in his first three games back from injury. Los Angeles may be forced to play him more with the rotation running thin tonight.
Scottie Barnes bangs on the boards with a depleted L.A. lineup, potentially missing their only true big man.
Raptors vs Lakers SGP
- Raptors moneyline
- Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes
- Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dino-Might!
Los Angeles is hurting and tired, playing their fifth game in seven days.
Hachimura will get more touches with the L.A. backcourt depleted.
Barners is projected for more than nine rebounds tonight.
Immanuel Quickley is forecasted for more than 18 points against a thin L.A. backcourt.
Raptors vs Lakers SGP
- Raptors moneyline
- Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes
- Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds
- Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points
Raptors vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Raptors -1.5 | Lakers +1.5
- Moneyline: Raptors -125 | Lakers +105
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 | Under 223.5
Raptors vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Over is 5-2 when the Lakers play on zero rest this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Lakers.
How to watch Raptors vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN, Spectrum SportsNet |
Raptors vs Lakers latest injuries
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