76ers vs. Raptors Prediction
The Eastern Conference semifinals get underway tonight when the Toronto Raptors host the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30PM ET in Game 1. Who has the edge in the opener?
553 Philadelphia 76ers vs. 554 Toronto Raptors
Saturday, April 27, 2019
7:30PM ET – Scotiabank Arena
TV: TNT
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NBA Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Raptors are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -6.5 points against the 76ers. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 222.5 points. The public betting for the contest has 58 percent going on the Raptors as a home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
76ers best the Nets
Philadelphia is the third seed in the East and the 76ers are coming off a 5-game series win over the Brooklyn Nets. The 76ers won and covered the spread in the last four games of the series. Philly is now 55-32 on the season, 22-21 on the road, 42-45 against the spread and 45-42 with the over.
The 76ers are one of the stronger offenses in the NBA, averaging 115.2 points per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from the arc. Defensively, Philadelphia is giving up 112.5 points per game while opponents shoot 45.5 percent against them. Joel Embiid has been leading the team in the playoffs, averaging 24.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Embiid has been dealing with a knee issue that forced him to miss one game. Ben Simmons has been adding 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists per playoff game.
Raptors run past Orlando
The Toronto Raptors are the second seed in the East. They are coming off a 5-game series win over the Orlando Magic in which they won the last four games in the series. Toronto went 3-2 against the spread in the five games. Toronto is now 62-25 on the season, 34-10 at home, 41-46 against the spread and 45-39-3 with the over.
Toronto has been pretty solid on both sides of the floor. The offense is averaging 114.4 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from the arc. Defensively, the Raptors are giving up just 108.4 points per game while holding opponents to 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 34.5 percent shooting from the arc. Kawhi Leonard is leading the team during the playoffs with 27.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest while Pascal Siakam is adding 22.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The 76ers are 1-5 against the spread in their last six conference semifinals games, but 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games against a team with a winning home record.
Toronto
The Raptors are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 conference games, but 0-8 ATS in their last eight games playing on three or more days of rest.
Prediction:
During the season, Toronto won and covered the spread in three of the four meetings with Philadelphia, including both home games. The Raptors really seemed to find their stride at the end of the series against Orlando. Their defense really locked in, holding the Magic under 100 points in four straight. Philadelphia certainly is a much better offense, but the 76ers are questionable on defense and going on the road hasn’t been a great strength for them, as they are 19-24 against the spread. I think Toronto comes out strong at home in Game 1 while Philly is a little sluggish after multiple days off and returning to the road.
NBA Prediction: Toronto Raptors -6.5