Philadelphia didn’t let Toronto have any hope in Game 1. The 76ers defended home court ferociously, riding an 18-point halftime lead into a 20-point victory. When researching how to bet on NBA, seeing the 76ers protect the home court so diligently reflects well in sports betting guides. Philadelphia didn’t need to lean on its megastars, as the 76ers were led in scoring by forward Tyreese Maxey, who scored 38 points to fall one point short of a career-high.
Toronto, though, won’t be discouraged by one setback. All season, the Raptors have been a solid road team, compiling a 24-17 record away from home. Betting guides show Toronto has been a resilient bunch this season, closing the year by winning eight of its final 10 games. How the Raptors respond to the Game 1 loss will be important to how the trajectory of this series plays out.
Last games records
Philadelphia beat Toronto 131-111 last Saturday to take Game 1 of the series. The Raptors finished the regular season 48-34, while Philadelphia was 51-31.
Matchup Information
Raptors at 76ers Betting Analysis
Toronto Betting Analysis
Toronto’s defense, which ranks 7th in the NBA by limiting opponents to 104.7 points per game, had no answers for the Philadelphia attack. Betting stats NBA show that the Raptors allowed Philadelphia to shoot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the 3-point line and 51.2 percent (43-of-84) from the field.
Not that Toronto’s offense was poor in the series opener, Philadelphia’s was just better. Pascal Siakam scored a team-high 24 points, and OG Anunoby was able to support him with 20 of his own. Center Scottie Barnes made Philadelphia work on defense, finishing two assists short of a double-double by recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
The Raptors made 12 3-pointers and shot 48.8 percent from the field.
Philadelphia Betting Analysis
Philadelphia’s stats, upon first glance, don’t show many advantages over Toronto in Game 1. However, the 76ers were much more effective at getting to the free-throw line. Philadelphia earned 34 trips to the free-throw line, 11 more than Toronto, and converted 85.3 percent of its attempts.
The 76ers superstars also delivered in a big way. Guard James Harden recorded a double-double, scoring 22 points and handing out 14 assists. Center Joel Embiid also turned in a strong performance, scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Forward Tobias Harris also got in on the fund, pouring in 26 points.
The 76ers were able to create several second-chance opportunities by pulling down 10 offensive rebounds.
Updates
Barnes was listed as doubtful to play in Game 2 due to an ankle injury. Raptors coach Nick Nurse said that X-rays on Barnes’ right ankle were negative. Barnes had to leave the game after he was inadvertently stepped on by Embiid.
Toronto also listed Gray Trent Jr. and Thad Young as doubtful for Game 2. Nurse said it doesn’t look good for any of those three players to play, but they plan to reevaluate things as game-time gets closer. Philadelphia doesn’t have any players listed as being out for Game 2.
- Philadelphia is 39-43-1 against the spread.
- Toronto 46-36-1 is against the spread.
- The over is 40-41-2 in the 76ers’ games this season.
- The over is 42-41 in the Raptors’ games this season.
- Philadelphia is 3-7against the spread over its past 10 games.
- Toronto is 6-4 against the spread over its past 10 games.
Raptors at 76ers Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have Philadelphia as a 7-point favorite. Anyone looking for different kinds of NBA picks can bet the over/under, which is set at 218 points. The 76ers are -275 on the moneyline, while Toronto is +220.
Raptors at 76ers Betting Prediction
Toronto is in a tough position heading into the second game of the series. The Raptors struggled to stop the Philadelphia offense in the opening game, where it had Barnes for most of the first half. It’s hard to imagine the Raptors will allow Philadelphia to shoot 50 percent from the 3-point line again, but Toronto will have to figure out some way to slow down the bevy of scoring options the 76ers have available.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia should be brimming with confidence with how it played the opener. There were concerns about how the 76ers would integrate Harden into their offense, but he showed that he is capable of sharing well with his teammates. Everyone on Philadelphia had their opportunity to shine in Game 1.
The 76ers won’t miss an opportunity to jump up 2-0 at home. Philadelphia will be looking to put this series on ice early so the 76ers can focus on the next step. Be the home team to head to Toronto with a 2-0 advantage.
Bet Philadelphia -7.5.
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