Raptors vs. Sixers Prediction and Odds for Game 1 (Back Toronto to Cover in Philly)

The No. 4 Philadelphia 76ers are going to have their hands full in the first round against the No. 5 seed Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference playoffs. 

Toronto has a unique home court advantage in this series, as Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle won’t be able to play in Toronto since he has refused to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Raptors are still underdogs in the series, but Joel Embiid and James Harden are going to need to play some of their best basketball against a Toronto team that is No. 9 in the NBA in defensive rating this season. 

Toronto has a ton of length between Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher to throw at Embiid, but will it be enough for Toronto to start the series with a win?

Let’s jump into the odds for Game 1 via WynnBET: 

Raptors vs. Sixers Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Raptors +4.5 (-108)
• Sixers -4.5 (-108)

Moneyline:

• Raptors: +155
• Sixers: -190

Total:

• 216.5 (Over -108/Under -108)

Raptors vs. Sixers Prediction and Pick

I bet Toronto to win this series for several reasons, and I think that starts with the Raptors at least giving the Sixers a scare in Game 1. 

The Raptors won three of the four regular season matchups between these two teams, and they held Embiid to arguably his worst game of the season, a 6-for-20 shooting performance in a loss. 

The biggest issue for Philly is the coaching area, as Nick Nurse is masterful at making adjustments and should run circles around Doc Rivers, who still insists on playing DeAndre Jordan.

It may not be as big a factor in Game 1, but this certainly will catch up to Philly in the series. 

As for this game, I think it comes down to whether or not James Harden can get back to his old self. Harden is shooting just 33 percent from beyond the arc (worst of his career) and 41 percent from the field (worst since his rookie season) in the 2021-22 campaign. If he can’t get going against a tough Toronto defense, the Sixers are going to need a big game from guard Tyrese Maxey to supplement. 

The Raptors were strong as road dogs this season, going 15-11-1 against the spread. I think they cover in Game 1, and they are certainly live to upset a team that may live and die by Embiid all postseason. 

Lean: Raptors +4.5 (-108)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.