Toronto Raptors Medium Favorite (-3.5 to -7) Betting Trend

The Raptors' struggles as medium favorites stem from their organizational identity crisis following the championship core's departure. Toronto has consistently operated as a scrappy, defensive-minded team that thrives as underdogs but lacks the offensive firepower to dominate when expectations rise. Their defensive schemes work best when they can disrupt rhythm and create chaos, but against weaker opponents who pack the paint and slow the tempo, the Raptors often find themselves grinding through possessions without a reliable go-to scorer. The franchise's developmental approach compounds this issue. Toronto frequently elevates young players into significant roles mid-season, creating inconsistent rotations that make it difficult to blow out inferior competition. Their coaching staff's emphasis on player development over pure winning often means extended minutes for prospects who aren't ready for prime time when the team needs to cover larger spreads. The psychological element cannot be ignored either. This organization built its culture around proving doubters wrong, not meeting elevated expectations. When oddsmakers install them as solid favorites, Toronto often plays down to competition rather than asserting dominance. This trend matters most during home stretches against rebuilding teams, where the Raptors' developmental priorities clash with betting market expectations.