Toronto and Philadelphia are two of the Eastern Conference’s best teams and it will undoubtedly be a fun game to watch tonight at the Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. Toronto won the first meeting of the season 129-112 back on October 30 in Philly. The Raps are a 6-point favorite tonight with the total hovering around 230.
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of the Raptors’ last 15 games at home (avg. combined score: 229.13).
- The 76ers are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games vs their division on the road.
- The Raptors are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs their division at home.
Expect A Rapid Start
The Raptors and 76ers are two of the NBA’s highest-scoring teams in the first quarter. Philadelphia actually leads the entire league, averaging 30.2 points in the Sportsbook quarter, while Toronto is tied for third at 29.6 points.
The Sixers are +2 on the first-quarter spread, if that’s a game you like to play, while the first-quarter total is 59.5. It’s a tough market to wade into because Toronto has the No. 3 first-quarter scoring defense in the Association at 25 points per game and Philadelphia is also in the top 12 of the league in that stat.
Sixers’ Road Defense is Near The Bottom of the League
Philadelphia sits just three games behind the Raptors for first place in the Eastern Conference despite having a less than stellar defensive record, especially on the road. The Sixers are allowing 117 points per game away from Wells Fargo Center.
That’s six points more than their season average of 111.8 points and almost a full 10 points more than their 107.7 points allowed on home court. Meanwhile, Toronto has the No. 3 home scoring offense at 118.4 points per game.
My Bet For This Game
Toronto has faced stiff competition this week from both Golden State and Denver and should be battle-ready when tonight’s game tips off. Philadelphia has played four of its last five games against Washington, New York, Brooklyn and Cleveland – none of whom are in a playoff position.
Considering all the information presented above, I expect the Raptors to cover the 6 points.
