NBA teaser focuses on Clippers, Raptors

Tuesday limited your NBA betting options simply because there were only five games, but Wednesday has a full slate, and we've got a teaser you shouldn't pass up. At first, you might think it's a little risky because it includes a pair of inconsistent teams so far this season, but both teams are slowly starting to trend in the right direction. That's why we're going with these two teams in our teaser.

Let's start with the safer of the two — the Clippers (-2) against the Timberwolves. The spread is set at six, but with the tease lowering it to just two, this is simply too good to pass on. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are back, and while they're far from 100%, the Clips are starting to show some signs of life. 

Even though the Clippers average the fewest points in the West, don't let that concern you. LA has won back-to-back games and the Clippers have scored at least 110+ points in five straight. Everyone knows LA can play defense — fourth in the league in points allowed, fifth in opponents' field-goal percentage, and ninth against the three — but would they be able to score enough has been the question. 

Without Leonard and George, the answer is no. But with Leonard and George, or at least one of them, the answer is yes. And it's not like Minnesota is all that good. The Timberwolves are still under .500, and with Karl Anthony-Towns out for at least the next month or so, things just got a whole lot more difficult. Even if this game is close for a while, expect Los Angeles to pull away late and win by at least one possession. 

As for the final leg of our teaser, take the Raptors (-1) against the Kings. Sacramento is in the midst of a six-game road trip and got smoked by the 76ers (lost by 20) on Tuesday night. Playing in a back-to-back is tough enough, but having to get on a plane, fly to Canada, and face a Toronto team that is 10-3 at home, certainly makes things a whole lot tougher.

The Raptors have really struggled on the road, but at home, they've been nearly unstoppable. Not sure why, but until that changes, keep taking Toronto. Similar to the Clippers, this might be a close game but trust the Raptors. 

The Teaser: Los Angeles Clippers (-6) to (-2) AND Toronto Raptors (-5) to (-1)

In the news . . .

Argentina annihilates Croatia, 3-0, advances to World Cup Final — Lionel Messi gave Argentina an early 1-0 lead, and Argentina never looked back in a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup Final for the first time since 2014. Argentina will play the winner of France and Morocco on Sunday in the World Cup Final while Croatia will play the loser on Saturday for third place. Argentina (-120) is currently the favorite to win the World Cup followed by France (+125). 

MRI confirms Murray has torn ACL, done for season — Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray is officially done for the season after an MRI on Tuesday confirmed the former No. 1 overall tore his ACL in Monday night's loss to the New England Patriots. Arizona is currently 4-9 and tied for last in the NFC West and 100/1 to make the playoffs. 

Ovechkin nets hat trick vs. Blackhawks, becomes third player in NHL history to reach 800 goals — Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 goals after scoring three goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Ovechkin now trails Gordie Howe by just one goal for second-most all-time and is 94 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky for the NHL record.

Giants sign Correa to 13-year, $350 million contact — The San Francisco Giants signed shortstop Carlos Correa to a 13-year, $350 million contract on Tuesday. Correa's contract is the most ever for an infielder and the fourth-largest contract by total value in MLB history. The Giants are currently 17/1 favorites to win the National League Pennant and 35/1 favorites to win the World Series.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky