It wouldn’t take opening a sports betting guide to see the Toronto Raptors are in the danger zone in their matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Philadelphia has carved up Toronto’s defense in the first two games, shooting at a blistering clip in each contest.
Betting stats NBA show that the Raptors are in a dire spot. Toronto will likely need to win both games at home to keep the series competitive. However, the Raptors have suffered some key injuries which have limited the availability and productivity of some of their depth pieces. How Toronto responds in Game 3 will go a long way to determining who wins the series.
The Raptors are 11-10 all-time in their franchise’s history in Game 3s. Since the 2013-14 season, Toronto has trailed 2-0 in a series five times and have come back to win the only once, a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference final on their way to the 2019 NBA championship.
Last games records
Philadelphia beat Toronto 112-97 in Game 2 April 18. The 76ers lead the series 2-0. Philadelphia was 51-31 in the regular season, while Toronto was 48-34.
Matchup Information
76ers at Raptors Betting Analysis
Philadelphia Betting Analysis
The 76ers have been able to name their score for the most part in the first two games of this series. Philadelphia shot 52.2 percent from the field in Game 2. The 76ers made 46.7 percent of their free throws and 86.7 percent of their attempts from the free-throw line. Philadelphia also was able to get to the free-throw line 30 times, which was 18 times more than Toronto.
76ers center Joel Embiid turned in another spectacular performance, scoring a team-high 31 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey, who scored 38 points in the series opener, continued his strong series by scoring 23 points. Forward Tobias Harris also added 20 points.
Philadelphia built a 15-point halftime lead and cruised to a victory in Game 2. The 76ers will hope for a similar surge when they head on the road. Philadelphia has been a good road team this season, turning in a 24-17 record in the regular season.
Toronto Betting Analysis
Looking at the box score from Game 2 will show Toronto did a lot of things the right way. The Raptors outscored the 76ers 48-36 in the paint and only turned the ball over nine times. However, Toronto just couldn’t keep its hands to itself. The Raptors committed 24 fouls and kept giving Philadelphia opportunities from the charity stripe.
Forward OG Anunoby led the Raptors with 26 points. Fellow forward Pascal Siakam also had a strong performance, recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Toronto will want to build on its strong performance on the offensive glass in Game 2.
The Raptors grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to set up extra chances on the offensive end.
Updates
Philadelphia shooting guard Matisse Thybulle is listed as ineligible to play in Game 3. 76ers center Charles Bassey will be out with a shoulder injury. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes is doubtful for Game 3 with an ankle injury, shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. is questionable with an illness.
- Toronto is 46-37-1 against the spread.
- Philadelphia is 40-43-1 against the spread.
- The over is 42-42 in the Raptors’ games this season.
- The over is 40-42-2 in the 76ers’ games this season.
- Philadelphia is 21-29-2 against the spread following a win.
- Toronto is 16-19 against the spread following a loss.
76ers at Raptors Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Philadelphia as a two-point road favorite. The 76ers are -138 on the moneyline, while the Raptors are +118. For anyone looking to make a different kind of NBA pick, the over/under is set at 216.5 points.
76ers at Raptors Betting Prediction
The scary thing for the Toronto Raptors is that all-around, they didn’t play that poorly in Game 2. However, Philadelphia is still exploiting the Raptors’ defense for easy looks that have led to a higher-than-average shooting percentage. If Toronto can’t slow down Philadelphia, especially from the 3-point line, it will be a long series for the 76ers.
Keeping an eye on the injury report will be important. If Barnes and Trent can return, it will provide Toronto with size inside and depth at guard. However, there is no clear indication on if they will play or not. The Raptors seem to be a team that has lost its defensive touch. Expect Philadelphia to exploit that and take a real stranglehold in this series.
Bet the 76ers -2.
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