The Philadelphia 76ers (3-0) visit Scotiabank Arena Saturday with a plan of finishing off the Toronto Raptors (0-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the 76ers vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The 76ers needed overtime to take Game 3 in Toronto 104-101 Wednesday.
Having been up 5 with 2 minutes left in Game 3, the Raptors stared down a crucial few minutes that did not go their way. The 76ers tied the game at 95 and proceeded to win with a C Joel Embiid buzzer-beating 3 in overtime.
The Raptors are now facing elimination in Game 4 at home. They are 24-18 at home this season. They have failed to cover 5 straight games – they were 47-33 against the spread (ATS) on the season before the slide.
The strength of the Sixers has been the combination of Embiid and PG Tyrese Maxey, who are averaging 27.7 and 26.7 points in the playoffs, respectively.
Philadelphia has covered all 3 games in the series, barely beating the spread in a 3-point win as a 2.5-point favorite in Game 3. It won by 20 and 15 in Game 1 and 2 respectively.
76ers at Raptors 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 2:38 a.m. ET.
- Money line: 76ers -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Raptors +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread (ATS): 76ers -2.5 (-120) | Raptors +2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
76ers at Raptors key injuries
76ers
- SG Matisse Thybulle (ineligible) out
Raptors
- SF Scottie Barnes (ankle) doubtful
[tipico]
76ers at Raptors picks and predictions
Prediction
Raptors 109, 76ers 106
Money line
SPRINKLE on the RAPTORS (+125).
I truly believe the Raptors are too good of a team to get swept.
The biggest surprise has been the Raptors averaging just 9.7 offensive rebounds per game after finishing the season ranked 2nd in offensive-rebounding rate.
The Sixers, for comparison, finished 19th in defensive-rebounding rate, so one would think Toronto would have a major advantage on the glass. However, the Raptors were outrebounded by 14 at home in Game 3.
That will change, and with a battle this close, it could be difference-maker.
The 76ers also shot better from the field, behind the arc, and from the free-throw line in Game 3. I don’t expect that to be repeated either.
Philly will win the series, but Toronto should come out on top in Game 4.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Against the spread
BET RAPTORS +2.5 (-105).
The public has seen the Sixers’ dominance and this line has been pushed even higher from Game 3. Toronto ranked 9th in defensive rating and 3rd in turnover rate this season.
It shot over 90 times per game in the regular season, yet is shooting just 85.7 attempts per game in the playoffs. It’s the aggression, and that should come in playing a potential season-ending game.
Lastly, Philadelphia is just 12-13-1 ATS as an away favorite, so it’s not necessarily a spot it has succeeded in this season.
Over/Under
PASS.
I don’t like this total at all. It’s too low, and the public will likely be on the Over. Per pregame.com, 61% of the money is on the Over at the time of this writing, yet the line has dropped from 214, which it opened at.
I don’t necessarily trust the Raptors not to heavily limit the Sixers. The pace has also favored the Sixers, who are among the slowest teams in the NBA. That’s been a key reason for the Raptors limited shot attempts.
If anything, I’d lean the UNDER 212.5 (-112).
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]