The perceived value in the points could prove to be fool's gold, but it's worth taking Golden State as a nearly double-digit underdog Thursday out of principle alone. Not only is it rare to see the Warriors, short-handed and all, this big of an underdog in any game, but the sentiment is to play against the Raptors. Toronto has been a little overvalued in the betting market, even with respect to its 18-4 start. The Raptors have won six straight against meager competition, but lost the last time they faced a quality club and have never really thrived in national spotlight games.

It's a tough way to open up a five-game road trip but the Warriors will be without the services of Stephen Curry on Thursday against the red-hot Raptors, who have won six straight. Toronto has covered the spread in four of its last five meetings against Golden State. Four of the previous six Raptors victories have been by double digits, including a dominating 39-point win in Chicago. Both teams are proficient scorers but the Raptors get the edge on defense, which will carry them to the cover.