Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers will be without some big stars in this match.
• These two teams met in the 2019 Eastern Conference semi-finals.
• Toronto leads the season series 2-1.

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Odds

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Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions and Picks

The Toronto Raptors showed their tremendous depth in their last match against the Bucks. Against a shorthanded Sixers team that has been gutted by injuries, the Raptors should take another victory.

Pick:

Toronto Raptors def. Philadelphia 76ers -250

How to Watch Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers

Head-to-Head: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers

Toronto’s Depth is their Secret Weapon

Career night for @chrisboucher & @Theiceman_21

Open Gym: Moment presented by @Bell pic.twitter.com/gFBMbyohEk

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 11, 2020

In the Raptors’ last match against the Milwaukee Bucks, the odds were stacked against them. Missing three valuable rotation players in Lowry, Vanvleet, and Ibaka, the Raptors had to rely on their depth more than ever.

Norman Powell, Matt Thomas, and Chris Boucher led the Raptors to victory against the Bucks. Boucher and Thomas were particularly brilliant, combining for 47 points, 15 rebounds, and seven three-pointers. The two played 37 and 29 minutes respectively, compared to previous bubble matches where they averaged 5.5 minutes and 11.3 minutes per game.

It’s clear that the Raptors have more assets than they’re willing to show during the regular season. Seeing as they rested three players in their last match, Toronto is likely to do the same in this match against the Sixers. If they can find similar production from their bench, both the Sixers, and future playoff opponents, will have a lot to handle.

Health is Philly’s First Concern

Please just keep shooting, @AlecBurks10. pic.twitter.com/yK7SIFdvYM

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) August 8, 2020

All competitiveness aside, the Philadelphia 76ers have their hands full just managing their own team health. Ben Simmons will be out for the season, while Joel Embiid, Josh Richardson, Al Horford, and Tobias Harris were all held out of previous games to manage their health before the post-season.

Sixers head coach Brett Brown said that he expects his players to return to the court before the playoffs start, but it won’t be in any extended capacity. The burden falls on the shoulders of their bench unit, who have surprised in the season’s resumption.

Alex Burks, Matisse Thybulle, and Shake Milton are first up to bat with the Sixers’ stars out. The three are capable shooters, while Burks has shown the capacity to create his own shot. Burks’ aggressiveness was valuable in the Sixers’ loss to the Trail Blazers, signalling a chance for a bigger role in the future.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Terence Davis

Terence Davis has struggled to find his consistency for the Raptors since the season’s restart. He’s been averaging 4.8 points and 0.5 assists on 50% from the field in 12 minutes per game.

He’s lacked aggression in the bubble, averaging just four field-goal attempts per game. As the backup point guard, with Lowry and Vanvleet in the starting lineup, Davis must be more of a threat if the Raptors hope to challenge in the playoffs.

He found his stride in the Raptors’ victory over the Bucks, scoring 10 on five of eight shooting from the field. Considering the Sixers may sit some key players, this is a crucial opportunity for Davis to get back on track.

Sixers Key Player: (G) Matisse Thybulle

Rookie guard Matisse Thybulle has been a nice surprise for the Sixers this season. He is already an elite perimeter defender, while also showing a penchant for hitting the occasional three-pointer.

Thybulle has struggled in the bubble though, shooting just 28.6% from deep in over 20 minutes per game. While he’s no individual scorer, Thybulle must be more aggressive off the ball in order to create shots for himself.

On the plus side, Thybulle’s defense hasn’t gone away. Prepared against any offensive player and averaging 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks in his last five game, the rookie will always have a place on the court. The Raptors’ collection of versatile guards will be a big task for him.