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Odds to Attend a Raptors NBA Finals Home Game: Vince Carter Given 3-1 Odds, Bosh 5-1, DeRozan 20-1

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 10, 2020 · 6:28 PM PDT

DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan isn't likely to root for the Raptors after being traded in the offseason. Photo by Keith Allison (Wikimedia Commons) [CC License].
  • The NBA Finals begin Thursday night in Toronto
  • The Toronto Raptors reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in six games
  • The Golden State Warriors take aim at their third straight NBA Championship and fourth in the last five years

The 2019 NBA Finals will be full of cameo appearances, as it always is.

Drake will surely be on hand, maybe even giving out massages to Nick Nurse. Rihanna, Smash Mouth, Jessica Alba, and MC Hammer will likely join him. However, the most interesting will they or won’t they appear bet revolves around former Raptors stars.

Who Will Attend a Raptors Home Game in the NBA Finals?

Who Will Attend Any Toronto Raptors NBA Finals Home Game? Odds
Vince Carter +300
Chris Bosh +500
Tracy McGrady +500
Andrea Bargnani +800
DeMar DeRozan +2000
None of the Above -200

*Odds taken 05/28/19

With the Raptors headed to the NBA Finals for the first time it’s interesting to consider which former stars will show up, if any. For my money I love the value with two former players in particular, and also want to warn you against wasting even a penny on one player listed above.

Will Vince Carter Bring Vinsanity to Scotiabank Arena?

I like the chances of Vince Carter appearing at one of the games in the NBA Finals. Despite a frosty exit years ago it seems like Carter and the fanbase have mended fences and this feels like the perfect time to welcome him back into the fold. His desire to return to play in Toronto may never happen, but taking part of the festivities in the NBA Finals would be a great way to fire up the Raptors faithful.

He’s a free agent so he wouldn’t be doing anything wrong by attending another team’s playoff game, so I love the value he provides at +300. Forget wearing throwback jerseys, why not bring back the team’s throwback superstar to get the crowd engaged?

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Chris Bosh Back in Toronto Feels Right

Chris Bosh left the Raptors to sign with the Miami Heat but who could blame him? He joined LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on an instant championship contender. Any fan who objectively looked at the choice laid before Bosh would understand it made sense for him to head South. Depending on what you value, you can make the argument Bosh is the best or second best Raptor of all-time.

If you’re looking to fire up the crowd before welcoming the Golden State Warriors to the floor, you could do worse than the now-retired Bosh. The fact he’s paying +500 is just icing on the cake.

Don’t Waste Your Money on DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan was really salty about being traded to the San Antonio Spurs. His attitude rubbed off on current point guard Kyle Lowry, who also spent most of the season sulking before even he realized that Kawhi Leonard was much better than his best friend.

DeRozan attending an NBA Finals game would be like showing up at your ex-girlfriend’s wedding as she marries a handsome male model.

DeRozan won’t come around as fast as Lowry did and will absolutely not be anywhere near Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, or even the country of Canada during this series. DeRozan attending an NBA Finals game would be like showing up at your ex-girlfriend’s wedding as she marries a handsome male model. Don’t be tempted by the +2000 number, this one is not happening.

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