Story byJason LoganSun, January 18, 2026 at 2:34 PM UTC·3 min readThe Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the squeeze of the schedule when the Toronto Raptors come to town Sunday. Los Angeles is playing the second game of back-to-back outings and its fifth game in seven days. That wear and tear is showing on a roster already missing key players. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe recent return of small forward Rui Hachimura helps, and my Raptors vs. Lakers predictions expect him to pick up the pace — especially from beyond the arc — in this tight turnaround versus Toronto. Here are my best NBA picks for January 18. Raptors vs Lakers predictionRaptors vs Lakers best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes (+160)Rui Hachimura has been limited in minutes since returning from a calf injury on January 13, coming off the bench as he works his way back into form. Given the state of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation heading into Sunday, Hachimura has a significant chance of more playing time and re-insertion back into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the past three games. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn that span, Hachimura is a collective 3 for 10 from beyond the arc with limited touches on offense.