Hosting “Sportsline” gives me access to the great minds giving me great info. And that info then allows me to crunch the game and see value. Barnes usage is down post trade and until it’s adjusted I’ll keep rolling here.

A lot of "overs" both ways lately here, so not especially surprised that the "total" has been creeping upwards since opening in the low 230s. There's a reason, however, as the Raptors in particular are playing at a faster pace this season for Darko Rajokovic, and hit the Cryp tonight on a 7-1-1 "over" run. Recently-added (and Canadian native) RJ Barrett seems to be loving his new dogs, too, off of a 37-point showcase in the win at Golden State. Meanwhile the Lake Show is on a 10-4-1 "over" run with the only recent "unders" against more-patient likes of the Heat and Clippers. Play Raps-Lakers "Over"

Injury reports for the Lakers are basically worthless now because we know LeBron James is going to be questionable -- and then play. At least he better play or this bet is garbage. I'd like to think the Lakers will build off Sunday's big home win over the Clippers. The Raptors are sans starting center Jakob Poeltl (10.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg), who leads the NBA in field-goal percentage at 68.5. The Dinos are really small without him, so any Anthony Davis rebound props might not be the worst idea.

The Raptors surprised a lot of people when they opted to get quality players rather than draft capital after finally trading OG Anunoby. Both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have been inserted into Toronto's starting lineup and are making a big impact, in addition to having high usage rates. Barrett is averaging a 21 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 3.5 APG, while Quickley is posting 17.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 6.5 APG. This has taken the ball out of Scottie Barnes hands quite a bit and Barnes is averaging a combined 9.0 RA compared to 14.8 RA Barnes averaged prior to the trade. I believe this combo line should be 12.5 until Barnes proves otherwise.