Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors are winless and under the .500 mark for the first time since 2014!
• After a strong start to the season, the Sixers’ offence stalled against the youthful Cavaliers.
• Over 96 regular-season games, the Raptors lead the Sixers all-time 57-39.

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Raptors vs 76ers Odds

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Raptors vs 76ers Predictions and Picks

If all things go to plan, this could be a grind-it-out, defensive battle between two talented teams. We give the edge to the Philadelphia 76ers, who have the size advantage against a Raptors team that has been struggling on the boards and offensively.

Pick:

Philadelphia 76ers to Win (-136)

Under 218.5 (-109)

Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 (-112)

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Head-to-Head: Raptors vs 76ers

Can Toronto Find Their Signature Defensive Form?

The future is bright. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/ZOQLia8SQI

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 27, 2020

Through two games the Toronto Raptors have not only struggled to score the ball, but they’ve allowed their opponents to run away with the game late. Their shooting difficulties certainly exacerbate their struggles, but they are a far cry from last year’s second-ranked defence.

The Raptors have allowed their opponents to shoot a very casual 49.4% from the field while also allowing a dreadful 43.4% shooting rate from the three-point line. While the Raptors have made it a point to double the paint aggressively in their first two games, Nick Nurse’s defensive scheme has backfired.

Toronto will have their hands full against a versatile Sixers team. Unable to commit multiple defenders to one, the Raptors will need to clamp down on the defensive end and close out on shooters. Whether or not Joel Embiid plays will be a large factor in their success, but regardless of his presence, the Raptors need to control the paint.

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Philadelphia Can’t Be Outworked

Thought we’d give you the #ULTRAMoment of the game early.

? @DwightHoward pic.twitter.com/v6sHUgLl17

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 27, 2020

The Sixers are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While they didn’t have Joel Embiid on the court with them, the young Cavs outworked them from the outset. Combined with a hot shooting streak from Cleveland, the Sixers were out of the match early.

What was painfully obvious about the Sixers was their lack of identity on either side of the court without Joel Embiid available. Sure Ben Simmons is a great player, but his lack of versatility on the offensive end shrunk the floor for the Cavaliers and made the Sixers predictable.

Against the Toronto Raptors the Sixers can’t be outworked like they were against the Cavaliers. Toronto is not as big as Philly are, but they are full of pace and hustle at every position. With Embiid’s status questionable, the Sixers must do the dirty work on the glass and in transition to take this match.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Norman Powell

Nick Nurse on Norman Powell’s struggles: “Norm hasn’t got on track really at all, let’s be honest. He hasn’t shown anything since the preseason or the regular season.”

— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) December 28, 2020

The Toronto Raptors have been struggling with their offense over their first two games and all eyes are on sixth-year guard Norman Powell. After a breakout year in the 2019-2020 season, the Raptors hoped that he’d take another step in his production and play.

Through the Raptors’ first two games, Powell has averaged 6.0 points on 12.5% shooting from the field. While it’s just two games, it is a far cry from his 16.0 points per game on 49.5% shooting in 2019-2020.

For the Raptors to compete with the Sixers, they’ll need to be firing on all cylinders. With a bench lacking in offensive options, they need Norman Powell to find his rhythm in order to stay competitive.

Sixers Key Player: (F) Tobias Harris

Up the floor.@tobias31 → @BenSimmons25

? @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/0YpAJ92XMH

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 28, 2020

Tobias Harris generally gets lost in the mix when you’re talking about the Sixers. While all the focus is on Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, Harris is a steadying offensive force for Doc Rivers’ side.

Despite a tough loss to the Cavaliers, Harris was the only player that really stood out against them. He posted 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 50% shooting from the field and 66.7% shooting from deep.

Should Embiid be out for another game, Harris will need to step up even more. He’s a talented scorer, but he’ll have to show commitment on the defensive end against the rangy and athletic Toronto forwards like Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher.