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Sixers vs. Raptors Betting Preview (August 12, 2020)
By Russ Joy
Published:
On Wednesday evening, the Sixers and Raptors meet in an Eastern Conference clash featuring two teams that were expected to be around the second and sixth seeds, though the roles have reversed. Let’s get into our Sixers-Raptors betting preview, including odds, boosts, and picks.
But before we do, FOX Bet has a 76 to 1 odds offer on any Sixers bet in August. Sign up in Pennsylvania here and in New Jersey here.
Preview
This matchup is one that sees an underachieving Sixers squad, one that’s recently been ravaged by injuries, take on a Toronto Raptors team that overachieved in practically every way imaginable.
While the Sixers sputtered to a 39-26 record, which is far from terrible, but given the preseason expectations that the Sixers could contend for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, sitting in sixth place is nothing short of a failure on multiple levels.
The Raptors, on the other hand, lost superstar Kawhi Leonard- who delivered a championship in his lone season in Toronto, as well as sharpshooter Danny Green, who bolted for a better chance at a title with the Lakers. The trio of Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and Fred VanVleet have been nothing short of incredible while leading their team to a 5-1 record in the bubble, which has them sitting comfortably in second place in the East.
Sixers vs. Raptors Odds
Here’s the line for the Sixers and Raptors at DraftKings Sportsbook PA:
- Spread: Sixers +6, Raptors -6
- Moneyline: Sixers +190 Raptors -235
- Total: 221
And here are the current best available odds for the Sixers (may not display on Google AMP pages):
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”76ers” size=”300×250″ site_id=”crossingbroad”]
Bets We Like With a Raptors Win
FiveThirtyEight gives the Raptors a 72% chance of winning with a -6 point line. That’s just 1.9% away from the team’s implied win probability, based on the moneyline, of 70.1%.
Raptors to Win and Under 221 Total Points (+175, DraftKings)
The talent disparity between these teams is enough that the 6.5 point line should be a solid bet, but given the possibility that the Sixers could get back a couple of starters in this one, bettors should approach a line bet parlay favoring the Raptors with caution. Instead, it’s a safer bet to take the Raptors to win and under 221 total points.
The Raptors are hot. They’re 5-1 in Orlando and 9-1 overall in their past 10 games.
In six games in the Orlando bubble, the Raptors have seen the under hit in five games. If we expand that back a couple of games before the league halted play, the the under has hit in six of Toronto’s past seven games.
You can get this one at DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking here.
Pascal Siakam Over 19.5 Points and Toronto to Win (+110, FOX Bet)
Pascal Siakam is in the midst of yet another breakout season, following being named the league’s Most Improved Player a season ago. While his scoring has been down a bit since the NBA resumed play, 17.2 points per game is nothing to write off. Plus, the scoring dip coincides with Nick Nurse dialing back Siakam’s minutes a bit, as his per game average is down to 33.1 in August from 39.6 in March.
In two games against the Sixers this season, Siakam has averaged 19.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up in PA here and NJ here.
Bets We Like Independent of Outcome
Kyle Lowry Over 4.5 Rebounds (-115, FOX Bet)
In two games against the Sixers this season, Kyle Lowry has averaged exactly 4.5 rebounds per game, but since the league resumed play, Lowry is averaging a bonkers 8.0 rebounds per game. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Sixers’ lineup, playing a recent trend is a likelier way to find a successful bet. This one is as solid as it gets.
Any Sixers Bet (76 to 1 Odds FOX Bet)
As noted above, FOX Bet is has a wild 76 to 1 odds offer on any Sixers bet this month. Sign up using the links here depending on your state and place your first bet for $1 on any Sixers single game bet (opt-in by selecting “challenges” once you’re signed up). You’ll be credited $76 win or lose.
New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up in PA here and NJ here.
Sixers vs. Raptors Prediction
Pick: This should be a comfortable Raptors win. Parlay the Raptors to win along with under 221 total points. Give strong consideration to Kyle Lowrey over 4.5 rebounds as well.
Take the Raptors to win and under 221 points. Also, take Kyle Lowry to grab over 4.5 rebounds.
Russ Joy hosts The Russ Joy Show, Snow The Goalie: A Flyers Podcast, and It's Just Wrestling Podcast. He's blogged about Philly sports on Crossing Broad since before the Eagles won a Super Bowl. A graduate of West Chester University of PA and California University of PA, Russ is also a husband and father of four. Follow him on Twitter: @JoyOnBroad