The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Toronto Raptors in a game both teams must win for playoff positioning. The Clippers rank a disappointing eighth in the Western Conference and are just two games ahead of the first team out of the play-in tournament. Likewise, the Raptors rank ninth and are just 3.5 games above the cutoff. Bettors looking for a strong NBA player prop for Wednesday’s Raptors-Clippers game should tail the prediction below — DraftKings has left too much value on the Fred VanVleet player prop markets. Make sure to check out OddsShopper’s tools for other sharp plays.
Best Raptors-Clippers NBA Player Prop | Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet O/U 1.5 Steals
The Los Angeles Clippers have struggled with turnovers all season. They rank 18th in total turnovers per game (14.3) and 27th in steals allowed per game (7.9). Opposing point guards have done plenty of damage — the Clippers have allowed the third-most steals to the position this year (2.2) and the most through the last seven games (3.8). Memphis’ Tyus Jones just stole the ball from them five times last Sunday. Golden State’s Jordan Poole and Donte DiVincenzo each got two last Thursday.
The Raptors have buttered their bread by turning over opponents this year. They rank second in turnovers forced per game (16.6) and first in steals per game (9.2). Fred VanVleet has done his part by contributing 1.6 steals per game. With Jakob Poeltl now in the lineup, the Raptors have a bit more of a structured rotation, and VanVleet has averaged 1.9 steals per game since his arrival. He has gone over this number in five of the seven games they’ve played together this year.
A few other factors also point to some value here. VanVleet averages 0.2 more steals per game on the road than at home. He also averages 2 steals per game in starts against Kawhi Leonard, his former teammate. VanVleet racked up four steals in his last matchup against Russell Westbrook in which both players started. The Clippers Westbrook era has gotten off to a shaky start, and VanVleet should reap the benefits on Wednesday night.
The books have set this total fairly (1.5) and are correctly stacking the juice on the over. However, I don’t think they have stacked it enough. You can still buy the under at -140 (58.3%) via DraftKings Sportsbook. The Raptors should give VanVleet plenty of run as they look to move up in the Eastern Conference standings, and he should reward head coach Nick Nurse with a solid defensive showing. Readers yet to register at DraftKings can score $150 in bonus bets after winning a $5 moneyline wager!
Best Raptors-Clippers Player Prop: Fred VanVleet Over 1.5 Steals (-140 for 0.7 Unit) at DraftKings
