Stephen Nover's NBA Thursday Top Ticket
(NBA) New Orleans vs. Toronto,
Point Spread: -4.50 | -110.00 Toronto (Home)
Result: Loss
Even though Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are both playing great, the Pelicans are weak at the wings and lack a good bench. They also have played an easy schedule.

New Orleans is riding a three-game winning streak. All of those victories have been on the road. But those wins have come against the Mavericks, Bulls and Pacers. This marks the end of the Pelicans' four-game, seven day road swing. Their intensity could be down after already going 3-0 during the first three legs of the trip.

The Pelicans' lone win against a quality opponent this season was against the struggling Cavaliers. New Orleans has not beaten an above .500 team all season.

Toronto is 6-4, but battle tested with three of its defeats occurring to the Warriors, Spurs and Nuggets on the road. The Raptors' other loss was to the Wizards in their first game back at home following a six-game road trip.

The Raptors have been home now for five days and are healthy with Serge Ibaka and Jonus Valanciunas back in the lineup. Valanciunas is playing well and can factor against Davis and Cousins. The Pelicans are going to have matchup problems at the wing against All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 29 points in his last three games.

Unlike New Orleans, Toronto should have its full intensity after almost blowing a big lead in a victory against the Bulls on Tuesday. The Raptors don't play again until Sunday when they begin a three-game road trip so a full effort should be there.

The Raptors have swept the Pelicans each of the past two seasons.