The Eastern Conference playoffs have begun and the series between the 4-seed Philadelphia 76ers and 5-seed Toronto Raptors kicks off Saturday. Tip-off for Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. 76ers Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Raptors finished the regular season 48-34 but ended the season playing well with wins in 14 of their final 18 games. They were 24-17 on the road and at home. F Pascal Siakam and G Fred VanVleet were the team’s leading scorers, averaging 22.8 and 20.3 points per game, respectively. Toronto won three of four matchups with Philadelphia.
The 76ers went 51-31 in the regular season and won five of their final six contests. They were 24-17 at home and slightly better on the road at 27-14. C Joel Embiid had an MVP-caliber season to lead Philly, averaging 30.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. G James Harden averaged 21.0 and 10.5 assists per game in 21 games with the Sixers after being acquired at the trade deadline.
Raptors at 76ers odds and lines
- Money line: Raptors +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | 76ers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +4.5 (-105) | 76ers -4.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Raptors at 76ers key injuries
Raptors
- None
76ers
- None
Raptors at 76ers picks and predictions
Prediction
76ers 115, Raptors 108
Money line
I like the 76ers in the opener but PASS on the bet as a single wager because it is just a little bit pricier than is worth it for a single game.
The Raptors won three of the four matchups between the two teams this season, including both games in Philly. Both teams ended the season playing well.