The Eastern Conference playoffs have begun and the series between the 4-seed Philadelphia 76ers and 5-seed Toronto Raptors kicks off Saturday. Tip-off for Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. 76ers Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Raptors finished the regular season 48-34 but ended the season playing well with wins in 14 of their final 18 games. They were 24-17 on the road and at home. F Pascal Siakam and G Fred VanVleet were the team’s leading scorers, averaging 22.8 and 20.3 points per game, respectively. Toronto won three of four matchups with Philadelphia.
The 76ers went 51-31 in the regular season and won five of their final six contests. They were 24-17 at home and slightly better on the road at 27-14. C Joel Embiid had an MVP-caliber season to lead Philly, averaging 30.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. G James Harden averaged 21.0 and 10.5 assists per game in 21 games with the Sixers after being acquired at the trade deadline.
Raptors at 76ers odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Raptors +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | 76ers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +4.5 (-105) | 76ers -4.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Raptors at 76ers key injuries
Raptors
- None
76ers
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Raptors at 76ers picks and predictions
Prediction
76ers 115, Raptors 108
Money line
I like the 76ers in the opener but PASS on the bet as a single wager because it is just a little bit pricier than is worth it for a single game.
The Raptors won three of the four matchups between the two teams this season, including both games in Philly. Both teams ended the season playing well.
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Against the spread
The Raptors performed well against the spread on the road. They were 26-15 ATS on the road and 47-35 ATS overall during the regular season.
The 76ers went 17-24 ATS at home this season.
The Raptors went 4-0 ATS against Philly this season.
However, when it comes to the postseason, the matchup at center is overwhelmingly in favor of the Sixers. The Raptors will struggle to contain Embiid.
Take the 76ERS -4.5 (-120).
Over/Under
Three of the four games between the two teams in the regular season hit the over. Both teams scored 109 or more points in three of the four games.
They both averaged more than 109 points per game in the regular season.
The 76ers averaged 125.3 points over the final six games of the regular season. The Raptors averaged 114.7 in their last 10.
Take OVER 215.5 (-112).
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