Clippers Stage Comeback to Topple Raptors in Overtime Thriller
The LA Clippers pulled off a dramatic victory on Friday night. They defeated the Toronto Raptors 121-117 in an overtime contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite entering the game as a 2.5-point home favorite, the Clippers failed to cover the spread. The total score, however, sailed over the projected line.
The Raptors controlled the game for long stretches, building a solid lead. Their advantage evaporated in the final quarter and extra period. Toronto was outscored by a combined 43-28 in the fourth and overtime, allowing the Clippers to snatch the win.
Blazers Dominate Lakers in Saturday Night Matchup
On Saturday, the Portland Trail Blazers delivered a commanding performance. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers decisively with a final score of 132-116.
The Lakers, playing as 3.5-point road underdogs, could not cover the spread. The game's total points also went over the set line.
Los Angeles struggled significantly on the boards. The Blazers outrebounded them 42-27. Turnovers proved costly for the Lakers as well, directly leading to 21 points for Portland.
Up Next: Lakers Host Raptors in Sunday Showdown
Attention now shifts to a highly anticipated Sunday matchup. The Los Angeles Lakers will welcome the Toronto Raptors to Crypto.com Arena.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Fans can catch the action on television through SportsNet LA and TSN. For streaming viewers, the game will be available on Fubo and Prime Video.
Projected Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers:
- PG: Luka Dončić
- SG: Marcus Smart
- SF: Rui Hachimura
- PF: LeBron James
- C: Deandre Ayton
Toronto Raptors:
- PG: Immanuel Quickley
- SG: Brandon Ingram
- PF: Scottie Barnes
- C: Sandro Mamukelashvili
- C: Collin Murray-Boyles
Injury Report for Key Players
Los Angeles Lakers:
- Luka Doncic - Day-to-day (Left groin soreness)
- Deandre Ayton - Day-to-day (Knee)
- Marcus Smart - Day-to-day (Undisclosed)
- Jaxson Hayes - Out (Hamstring)
- Adou Thiero - Out (Right MCL sprain)
- Austin Reaves - Out (Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain)
Toronto Raptors:
- Jamison Battle - Day-to-day (Ankle)
- Jakob Poeltl - Out (Back)
- Ja'Kobe Walter - Out (Hip)
- RJ Barrett - Out (Ankle)
- Immanuel Quickley - Day-to-day (Back)
- Chucky Hepburn - Out (G League assignment)
Game Prediction and Team Analysis
The Lakers enter this game with a strong record when favored. They have won 16 of the 23 games where they were the favorite this season. That gives them a 69.6% win rate in such contests.
Offensively, the Lakers average 116.5 points per game. Their three-point shooting sits at 11.9 makes per game, ranking 23rd in the league. This is 1.9 fewer than the 13.8 threes their opponents typically make.
The Raptors present a different challenge. They hold a positive overall scoring differential of +72 for the season. This translates to outscoring opponents by an average of 1.7 points per game.
Toronto scores 114.0 points per game while allowing 112.3. Their average offensive output is just 3.3 points less than the 117.3 points the Lakers typically give up. However, the Raptors struggle from beyond the arc. They rank 24th in three-point percentage and are the second-worst team in the NBA in that category.
