The Toronto Raptors will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the first game of their playoff series on Saturday afternoon. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-76ers prediction and pick.
This should be one of the best series of the first round. The Raptors earned a 48-34 record over the course of the regular season, with three of those victories coming against the 76ers. Now they'll face those same Sixers in the postseason after winning the season series handily. The Sixers need to get out to a hot start in this series, as some of their players will miss the parts of this series that take place in Toronto. Philadelphia should be looking to get out to a hot start immediately, dispelling some of the struggles they've had against this upstart Raptors squad.
Here are the Raptors-76ers NBA Playoffs odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Raptors-76ers Odds
Toronto Raptors: +4 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers: -4 (-110)
Over: 216 (-110)
Under: 216 (-110)
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Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
Toronto's defense should play well in this game. The Raptors have been one of the better defenses in the league this year, allowing only 107 points per game on mediocre shooting numbers. Toronto also racks up an average of nine steals per game, the second-best number in the NBA. In all four games against the Sixers, the Raptors have managed to hold them to 114 points or less, including a game where Philadelphia only managed 88 points. Expect Toronto to continue to play well defensively.
The Raptors were one of the best teams at covering the spread this season. They earned a 46-35-1 record ATS overall, with a 25-15-1 record as an away team. The Raptors also covered in 11 of their 16 games as road underdogs. Meanwhile, the Sixers haven't covered with any sort of consistency. Philly is 38-43-1 against the spread on the year, with a 13-18 mark as home favorites. This looks like a pretty decent spot to pick the Raptors.
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
Philadelphia's defense should also have some measure of success here. Head coach Doc Rivers' squad only gives up 107 points per game while holding their opponents to 45% shooting from the field, including a poor 34% shooting from three-point range. The Raptors haven't been a particularly good offensive team, as they only average 109 points per game on 44% shooting from the field. It would be surprising to see the Raptors score more than 110 points in this game.
The Raptors are dealing with a major injury as they head into this game. Star point guard Fred VanVleet is dealing with a knee injury that has held him out of action since April 5th. The Raptors are predictably being withholding about VanVleet's status, but it is possible that he doesn't take the floor in this game. Even if he does play, he'll be far from 100% healthy. There could be a minutes restriction in play, and it's of course possible that VanVleet just isn't healthy enough to play his best basketball.
Final Raptors-76ers Prediction & Pick
This game should be a close one. With the uncertainty surrounding VanVleet and his knee, the Sixers become the best pick on the board. Even if VanVleet does play without a minutes restriction, the Sixers have a good chance of covering. Lock in Philadelphia here.
Final Raptors-76ers Prediction & Pick: Philadelphia 76ers: -4 (-110)
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