Raptors vs. 76ers Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Charlie Grant
NBA fans are treated to a potential preview of the East finals when Kawhi Leonard and conference-leading Toronto Raptors visit the City of Brotherly Love to take on Joel Embiid and the 76ers.
The Dinos are lacking some of their regular bite because of injuries to key rotation players – including big men Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas. That could mean a big night for Embiid.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Raptors won and covered as 11.5-point home favourites against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a makeshift lineup. The result improves Toronto’s record to 25-9 straight up, but the club is still just 16-18 against the spread.
The Drakes are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against the 76ers – including a pair of home wins and covers this season. The Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these two sides.
Philadelphia last played on Wednesday night when it took down the visiting New York Knicks 131-109. The Sixers are still just 2-3 SU and ATS in their last five games overall. Philly is significantly better this season on its home floor. The club is 15-3 playing at the Wells Fargo Center and 6-9 when playing as the visitor.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back and with a shorthanded roster could be a handicap for the Dinos. Then again, Toronto is a perfect 8-0 against the spread in its last eight games playing on zero days’ rest.
Toronto Raptors
Who’ll suit up on Saturday and who won’t for the showdown against the Sixers? That’s the big question for Toronto backers. Don’t expect to see All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry in uniform. He’s listed as doubtful to play because of the same thigh injury that’s kept him out of the last four games.
Backcourt partner Danny Green is questionable on Saturday after missing Friday night’s game because of a knee contusion. Meanwhile, starting centre Serge Ibaka and backup big Jonas Valanciunas are both doubtful to play. Valanciunas scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his last game against Embiid and the Sixers.
Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons is playing well for Philadelphia these days. The 2018 Rookie of the Year winner is averaging 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8 assists over his last six games and he has two triple-doubles under his belt during that stretch.
But games against the Raptors, with Kawhi Leonard guard him, hasn’t gone well. He’s scored just 18 points and totaled 18 turnovers in two games against the Raps this season.
