Toronto Raptors vs LA Clippers prediction: Toronto Raptors tipped to edge it (58.4%)
Toronto enter on the back of an opening loss while the Clippers start the season with a win and must manage an injury to Max Strus.
Toronto host the Clippers at Rogers Arena with both sides still early in their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. The home side sit bottom of the standings after one game while the visitors hold a mid-table position following their first outing.
Standings and recent form
Toronto occupy 29th place in the league with a 0-1 record. The Clippers sit 12th after collecting a win in their opening fixture. Toronto's most recent result was a loss. The Clippers' latest outing ended in victory.
The early table positions reflect the narrow gap between the two teams at this stage of the season. Toronto have yet to secure a win while the Clippers have already posted one.
Availability and selection
Max Strus will miss at least four weeks with a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, according to league sources reported by ESPN. Line-ups for the game are otherwise unconfirmed at this stage.
Jamal Shead recently agreed a three-year extension worth $24 million through the 2029-30 season, though that deal has no direct bearing on selection for this fixture. Reporting from other outlets focuses on unrelated teams and does not provide further detail on either roster.
Where the numbers point
Our projection gives Toronto a 58.4% chance of victory. That mark makes them a slight favourite against a Clippers side that carries a 41.6% probability. The model sees the outcome decided primarily by Toronto's home status and the Clippers' missing personnel.
The narrow margin in the probabilities leaves room for either side to prevail, yet the numbers consistently favour the hosts by a modest amount. No further market data is available beyond these win percentages.
Final assessment
Toronto to win is the pick at 58.4% confidence as a slight favourite. The injury to Strus supplies the clearest edge for the home side. An early return to form from the Clippers or sharper shooting on the night would overturn the projection. The win probability remains the most reliable guide given the absence of additional market indicators.
Reporting referenced: Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
Team news
- 2026 NBA free agency: Grades for offseason signings, extensions — We're grading the biggest free agent signings and extensions, including Jalen Duren's new five-year deal. (ESPN, 2026-10-10)
- What does your NBA team need? The biggest hole on all 30 rosters — Every NBA team is missing something, even the leading title contenders. (ESPN, 2026-10-08)
- Sources: Clippers' Max Strus (foot) out at least 4 weeks — Clippers wing Max Strus suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot and will be reevaluated in four weeks, league sources told ESPN. (ESPN, 2026-10-08)
- Basketball Power Index: NBA projections, playoff chances for 2026-27 season — ESPN's Basketball Power Index projections for the 2026-27 NBA season are out, including a ranking of all 30 teams. (ESPN, 2026-10-07)
- Jamal Shead, Raptors reach 3-year, $24M extension through 2029-30 — Raptors guard Jamal Shead has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension with the franchise, his agent, KJ Smith, told ESPN. (ESPN, 2026-10-01)
- Clippers' Brandon Ingram gets in light work before practice — Brandon Ingram, recovering from heel surgery, got in some light shooting and court work ahead of Clippers practice Tuesday in Hawai'i. (ESPN, 2026-09-30)