The Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors face off once again for Game 4 in a 2 PM ET tip off at Scotiabank Arena! With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Sixers-Raptors prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The last time we saw Joel Embiid in Toronto in a playoff game, he cried himself off the floor. In his first postseason game at Scotiabank since that iconic Kawhi Leonard game-winner, it was Embiid's turn to send the Raptors fans home crying. The MVP candidate sank the Raptors into a 3-0 hole after he drained his own game-winner triple to give Philadelphia the 114-111 Game 3 overtime win this past Wednesday. Embiid finished with 33 points and 13 rebounds and had to do a little extra down the stretch with James Harden fouling out. Harden and Tyrese Maxey both scored 19 points for Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, the Raptors were in control early in the game, racing out to a 29-19 first quarter. They led by as much as 17 points in the second period and looked on their way to tying the series. But the Sixers stormed back in the third and tied the game midway through the fourth. It became a back and forth affair from there on until Embiid splash the epic falling away three-pointer at the left wing to get the commanding 3-0 series lead for Philly. The Raptors were led by OG Anunoby's 26 points, while Precious Achiuwa added 20 off the bench. Toronto's All-Star tandem of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam struggled throughout the night. scoring just 12 points apiece.
Here is how Fanduel has set the Sixers-Raptors NBA Playoffs odds for this Saturday afternoon NBA matchup.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Sixers-Raptors Odds
Philadelphia 76ers: -3.5 (-110)
Toronto Raptors: +3.5 (-110)
Over: 213 (-110)
Under: 213 (-110)
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Why the Sixers could cover the spread
Despite a narrow overtime victory in Game 3, the Sixers have been dominant for the majority of the series. So, there's always a good chance they cover the spread, considering it's just at 3.5 for Game 4. Philadelphia may be motivated to get this series done with, so they could get extra rest for round two.
After a subpar Game 1, Joel Embiid has found his groove over Philly's last two wins versus Toronto. He scored at least 31 points and 33 points in Games 2 and 3, respectively, and has notched a double-double in all three games of the series.
It's unfortunate, however, that Embiid seems to have suffered an injury to his right thumb. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Friday that the Cameroonian may have a torn ligament on the said thumb. Nonetheless, the Sixers center was adamant that he will play through the injury and doesn't intend to sit out Game 4.
Tyrese Maxey has been a steady hand for Philadelphia in his second postseason. While he's cooled off a bit from that 38-point explosion in Game 1, he should continue providing offensive energy that helps spark his team. Harden, meanwhile, hasn't been scoring the ball as much. He's averaging just 18.3 points through three games. Nonetheless, he's done his damage with his facilitating, averaging 10 dimes a game in this series.
It also helps the Sixers that Scottie Barnes will likely still not suit up. Barnes suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury in Game 1 and remains doubtful for Saturday's game. The Rookie of the Year candidate had a terrific debut season, so he was definitely a huge loss for the Raptors.
Why the Raptors could cover the spread
Down 3-0, the Raptors essentially have nothing to fight for right now. While coach Nick Nurse is confident his squad can do the impossible, the numbers still do not lie. No team in the history of the NBA has come back from a 3-0 series deficit. So, based on historical data, it's just a matter of time before the Raptors head to Cancun.
With that said, Toronto doesn't have much pressure on them and this could help them play a lot looser in an effort to keep their season alive. The Raptors showed they can hang with Philadelphia, so winning a game is certainly doable. Unfortunately, they weren't able to execute late to make this a more interesting series.
As mentioned, Joel Embiid sustained a thumb injury, but is already listed as available for Saturday's game. The only Sixer not in uniform (and not in Canada, actually) is Matisse Thybulle due to his vaccination status.
Toronto will need another huge game from Anunoby, who led the Raps with 26 points in Game 3. Look for Siakam and VanVleet to bounce back and play much better. They likely won't combine for 24 points on 9-of-29 shooting for the second straight outing.
Final Sixers-Raptors Prediction & Pick
Look for the Raptors to bounce back and get a win on their home floor. Toronto has shown its resiliency all season long and this could be their final hurrah on what really was an overachieving campaign.
Final Sixers-Raptors Prediction & Pick: Raptors: +4 (-110)
