76ers vs. Raptors Odds, Prediction: Game 1 NBA Playoffs
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Ryan Stetson.
When the Toronto Raptors pulled the trigger on a couple of big deals, landing the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol, and Danny Green, they were thinking ahead to possible playoff matchups with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly’s starting five is nasty and that’s exactly how the Dinos will have to play every minute of this series – nasty. Toronto took three of the four regular season meetings between the two clubs both straight up and against the spread, but both teams have hardened since and this should be a stiff test for the favoured Raptors.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Oddsmakers have the Raps set as -312 favourites to win the series and as 6-point favourites to win Saturday’s Game 1 at home. Both Philly and Toronto open this series on hot streaks against the spread (ATS). The Raptors have covered the number in three of their last four and seven of their last 10, while the Sixers covered the number in each of their last four games after they dropped their opener against Brooklyn Nets.
Game 1’s total opened at 223 and it will be interesting to see if Toronto can continue its strong defensive play. The Raptors limited Orlando to fewer than 96 points in each of the last four games in that series and the played under in four of the five games. On the other hand, Philly allowed at least 100 points in each of its five games against the Nets.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has the personnel to make life difficult for the Raptors in the paint and from downtown. They have Embiid and Boban Marjanovic underneath to guard the bucket and Ben Simmonds, Tobias Harris, and Jimmy Butler manning the outside. Philly will try to contest every shot from the perimeter – the Sixers finished second overall in three-point attempts allowed since bringing Harris into the mix at the trade deadline and fourth in opponents’ trey percentage (34.4). On offence, the 76ers have a lot of firepower.
Toronto Raptors
Two keys for the Raptors in this series: containing Embiid as much as possible, and hitting some threes. Toronto’s defence smothered the Magic after its Game 1 stinker and the team is embracing the identity of a shut-down squad now. Marc Gasol will be in the spotlight as he’ll be crucial in slowing Embiid, who averaged 24.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in just 24 minutes of work in the first round while battling a sore knee.
Toronto’s ball rotation improved drastically against Orlando and many of the club’s possessions ended up with strong looks from outside. The Raps will need Kyle Lowry and Co. to connect on those shots when they can get them up. Pascal Siakam could be the real x-factor in this series too. While the bigs grind it out in the paint and shots are contested outside, he may be able to slice through Philly’s defence to generate good shots.
PHI
TOR