Sixers’ Odds of Beating Raptors in Second-Round Listed at +335 After Game 1
- After dropping Game 1 in Toronto, the 76ers are now a +335 underdog to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals
- Philadelphia scored just 95 points in the series opener, its lowest point total since March 8th
- Are the 76ers worth betting, or are the Raptors a slam dunk even at these short odds?
The Philadelphia 76ers are in trouble. Big trouble. Their star center is battling a knee injury, their point guard can’t shoot, and they were completely overmatched in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Raptors.
11 more. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/ILQ7JCQGW4
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 28, 2019
They were held below 96 points for just the third time all season and now their odds to defeat the Raptors and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals have ballooned to +335.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors Playoff Series Odds
| Tean | Odds |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | +335 |
| Toronto Raptors | -470 |
*Odds taken 04/28/19
Prior to the series opener, Philadelphia was priced as a +245 underdog, but online sportsbooks were quick to adjust the odds after Toronto’s convincing win Saturday night.
The Raps Own the Sixers
The result in Game 1 was anything but a surprise to those who’ve been paying attention. The Raptors have been dominating the 76ers for the last six years, posting a 22-3 record in their last 25 matchups. They’ve won 14 straight home games versus Philly, and no team has beat the Sixers more since 2013 than the Raps.
Kawhi protects home for the @Raptors in Game 1! #PhantomCam #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9LJm29erfS
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2019
Toronto has more depth, a more balanced offensive attack, and a much better defense. They held the 76ers to 39% from the field in Game 1, and have now held their opponents to under 100 points in each of the last five playoff games. They also have the luxury of having the best player in the series on their roster, and if Philly doesn’t find a way to slow down Kawhi Leonard, we could be looking at a sweep.
Can’t Guard Kawhi
Leonard scored a playoff career high 45 points in the opener, joining Vince Carter as the only two players in Raptors history with 40+ points in a postseason game.
Simply spectacular ??
45 Pts // 11 Reb // 2 Stl // 70 FG%#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/GN7fV0WuTa
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 28, 2019
He abused everyone the Sixers tried to throw his way, finishing 16-for-23 from the field, including 11-for-17 on contested shots. He knocked down threes, got to the basket at will, and also chipped in 11 boards, two steals and a block. It was the kind of performance that put the rest of the league on notice, and it improved Leonard’s personal record against the Sixers to a sparkling 14-0.
Pass on Philly
The Raptors are a much better team with a more complete roster. They’re also completely healthy, while Joel Embiid continues to battle through a knee injury that certainly contributed to his woeful 5-for-18 shooting performance in Game 1.
“GTFOH” – Drake to the 76ers pic.twitter.com/RjcdkVIlAo
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 28, 2019
Toronto has owned Philly for the last half decade, and is much more likely to steal a game on the road than the Sixers. The Raptors have the league’s third highest net rating away from home this season (4.5), and only the Bucks and Warriors won more road games than Toronto this season. It never feels good to lay such heavy juice, but unless the Raptors get stung by the injury bug, they’re a near lock to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Pick: Toronto Raptors (-470)
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
