Toronto Raptors As Favorite Betting Trend

The Raptors' struggles as favorites stem from their organizational identity as a scrappy, underdog franchise that thrives when expectations are low. Toronto has historically built teams around defensive intensity and effort-based basketball rather than overwhelming talent, making them vulnerable when oddsmakers expect them to control games. Their playing style often keeps contests closer than the betting line suggests, as they grind out possessions rather than blow out opponents. Kyle Lowry's departure marked a significant shift in their leadership dynamic, leaving the team without a proven closer in tight games where favorites are expected to separate. The franchise's tendency to develop young talent also creates inconsistency, as developing players naturally experience growing pains that manifest as failed covers when Toronto is laying points. Market perception plays a crucial role here as well. The Raptors often get inflated lines due to their playoff pedigree and strong coaching reputation under Nick Nurse, but their actual roster construction frequently doesn't match the respect embedded in the spread. Canadian market loyalty can also artificially boost their numbers in certain spots. This trend carries the most weight in home games against sub-.500 opponents, where the combination of market respect and expectation to dominate creates the largest gaps between perception and reality.