Raptors Looking To Play Spoiler
The Toronto Raptors look to spoil the party in Philadelphia as they head to Wells Fargo Center for Game 1 of their first-round series with the 76ers.
The Raptors have proven a tough matchup for Philly so far this season, but the playoff environment lends a different challenge to both sets of players.
Let’s check the latest NBA Picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA Odds for Raptors vs 76ers. We’ve plenty of NBA Playoffs Odds for you to consider.
Harden Needs To Show His Worth
When the Sixers traded Ben Simmons for James Harden in a package deal the expectations were that the team finally had the perfect partner to help Joel Embiid through the playoffs.
Things started great for the pair and the team as they hit the ground running, but as the schedule got tougher the flaws became evident and the microscope on Harden has never been bigger.
His inability to perform in the clutch against top-tier defenses is becoming increasingly concerning, and every shortcoming in this series will only add to the strain felt by both he and the team.
The most recent meeting with Toronto proved the perfect example and the concern is that they are now dealing with an elite level coach in Nick Nurse, who will undoubtedly have his team ready to ensure Harden is the one forced to make the plays down the stretch.
Philly coach Doc Rivers was critical of his team’s offensive rhythm in that game, calling the 76ers out for straying from what works best.
That’s not a positive message to be sending given the playoffs are going to be a halfcourt grind and the likelihood of them being able to play with pace is slim in this setting.
That said, they do still own the biggest mismatch on the floor behind the excellence of Joel Embiid and ultimately that could be the deciding factor in Game 1 as both teams feel their way into the series.
Raptors Hunting Together
While the Sixers will look to rely on their superstar duo to lead the way the Toronto Raptors will continue to work by committee.
The balance in the roster makes them a difficult matchup on most nights and it often gives them a point to attack as well depending on how the opposing defense matches up.
Fred VanVleet & Pascal Siakam often lead the way in terms of scoring and playmaking, but the emergence of rookie sensation Scottie Barnes provides another reliable offensive contributor, while the spacing provided by Gary Trent Jr and the improved shooting of OG Anunoby complete a full repertoire of attacking options.
One thing I’ve spoken about at length in our NBA betting preview for the BetUS Live Show is the Raptors ability in halfcourt sets to clog the lane and collapse on the inside. If the Sixers aren’t able to adapt to that with Embiid struggling inside and Harden getting swarmed on drives the potential is there for Toronto’s offense to force turnovers and score in transition on this Sixers defense.
If they can do just that things become particularly tricky for Philadelphia going forward the rest of the way in this series.
Raptors vs 76ers Head-to-Head
The Toronto Raptors went 3-1 in their season series against the Philadelphia 76ers, including a 119-1114 win last week.
Toronto also managed to go a perfect 4-0 against-the-spread (ATS) on Philadelphia this season.
Their last meeting in this arena ended in a 93-88 win for the road team, which closed as 7½- point underdogs in that one.
Raptors vs 76ers Game Information
- Game: Raptors (48-34) vs 76ers (51-31)
- Location: Wells Fargo Center
- Day/Time: Saturday, April 16th, 6 p.m. ET
- Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Raptors vs 76ers Betting Lines
Raptors vs 76ers Prediction
The Raptors have been dominant in this series by forcing the Sixers to play into their hands.
The playoffs, however, are an entirely different game and replicating that success will take alterations on both ends to ensure they’re still able to exploit Philadelphia’ weaknesses.
Fortunately for them, they have a significant advantage on the sidelines. Nurse is one of the best playoff schemers going around, whereas Rivers is continuing to build a reputation for his inability to adjust in these situations.
The sportsbook odds show a strong move towards Toronto based on previous closing numbers versus what’s being hung as the market consensus for Game 1.
This speaks to the advantages Toronto has on and off the court in this matchup and while I do think Philadelphia ultimately pulls out a win here in Game 1 at home they can’t be laying this many points to a feisty Toronto defense.
If you’re looking to bet online in this game, grab the points on the Raptors.
