The Toronto Raptors (22-8) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they meet the Philadelphia 76ers (14-17) at Air Canada Centre. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017, and will air on TSN2 Toronto.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
The Raptors have emerged victorious in both contests against the 76ers this year, including a 114-109 victory the last time these teams met. Toronto covered as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 223 points, which was 6 points above the projected point total of 217 points. The Raptors made 32 of their 35 free throws (91.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.3 vs. 33.3). DeRozan scored a game-high 45 points.
This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defensesToronto currently ranks fifth in effective field goal percentage (0.547), while Philadelphia is fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.502).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Dario Saric (16.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals) has been great for the 76ers while DeMar DeRozan (26.8 points and 5.2 assists) has made great contributions to the Raptors.
Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Philadelphia is 8-7 ATS on the road with 10 overs and 5 unders.
Toronto is 7-5 ATS at home with 7 overs and 5 unders.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Toronto is 9-2 and Philadelphia is 4-0.
The Raptors are 21-4 when they score more than 100 points, while the 76ers are 13-11.
Toronto averages 20.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. Philadelphia ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.3).
The Raptors rank fourth in blocks per game (5.5) while the 76ers rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.9).
Philadelphia averages 14.9 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Toronto ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
The Raptors rank seventh in steals per game (8.5) while the 76ers rank 28th in steals allowed per game (9.4).
Toronto ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (26.0) while Philadelphia ranks 23rd (30.3).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (48.6) while the Raptors rank 20th (42.1).
Toronto ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.6) while Philadelphia ranks 19th (9.5).
The 76ers average 47.7 points in the paint per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The Raptors rank 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.2).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (26.4) while Toronto ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (22.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Toronto is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, up from 0.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 117.2 points per game (5.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 101.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
