There are teams that perform better when their backs are against the wall, and we may be seeing that from the Toronto Raptors. After losing the first three games of their first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers, they’ve won the next two and forced a Game 6 at home.
All the pressure is on the 76ers as they hope to avoid a Game 7 at home.
The status of Fred VanVleet has yet to be revealed for Game 6, but I’d be surprised if the veteran point guard is able to suit up. VanVleet missed Game 5, and Toronto responded by defeating Philadelphia by 15 on the road.
While we wait to see if there will be an all-or-nothing Game 7, here are a couple of player props and one game prop I like for Game 6.
All NBA gameday odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Wednesday, April 27, 11 a.m. ET.
76ers vs Raptors Game 6 Game Props
More Points Scored in 2nd Half (inc. OT) (+160)
WAGER: 1 Unit
In the first three games of the series, the 76ers found ways to create separation that allowed them to jump to a 3-0 lead over the Raptors. However, over the past two contests, Toronto has made adjustments to make it a more competitive series.
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Throughout the five games in the series thus far, we’ve seen more points scored in the second half in three of them. Furthermore, we’ve seen more points scored in the second half of each of the last two games in this series.
While both teams should come out aggressive in the first half, I expect it to be a close game to begin the second, which means we’ll get the two squads pushing to score even more, making this our NBA bet of the day.
76ers vs Raptors Game 6 Player Props
Gary Trent Jr., Raptors: OVER 1.5 Steals/Blocks (-145)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Once again, I’d be slightly shocked if we see VanVleet return for the Raptors in Game 6. He’s dealing with a hip injury he suffered in Game 4, and he was already dealing with another leg injury before that. Even if he does force himself to play, I expect him to be extremely limited in what he can do.
I expect Gary Trent Jr. to be more active on the defensive end for the second consecutive game. Amid VanVleet’s absence in Game 5, I took the Over on Trent’s steals/blocks, and he proceeded to get two steals in the contest.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 6 Predictions for more on this NBA Playoffs series.
I’ll be going right back to Trent on Thursday. The 76ers have turned the ball over 66 times in the last four games of the series, giving Trent plenty of opportunities for Trent to rack up steals or blocks.
Pascal Siakam, Raptors: OVER 5.5 Assists (-140)
WAGER: 1 Unit
When the Raptors haven’t had VanVleet available, Pascal Siakam has typically become the primary facilitator for Toronto. When VanVleet was out during the regular season, Siakam averaged a team-high 6.1 assists per 36 minutes and saw an increase in his usage sidelined.
In Game 5 with VanVleet inactive, Siakam had 15 potential assists that resulted in him dishing out seven assists. I expect the versatile forward to remain the primary ball handler in Game 6, allowing him to hit the Over on his assists again.
If you’re looking for another fun wager to throw a couple dollars on, you can also bet on Siakam to record a triple-double.
PREVIOUSLY: 76ers vs Raptors Game 5 Props
The Toronto Raptors were able to avoid a four-game sweep in their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Even with Fred VanVleet exiting in the first half of Game 4, the Raptors rallied to defeat the 76ers at home by the score of 110-102.
While Toronto fought hard to secure their first win of the series, it remains to be seen if they can steal another game. The next contest will take place on Monday in Philadelphia, so the Raptors will have to overcome a hostile crowd to make it a series again.
While we wait for an update on VanVleet’s status, here are a couple of players props and a game prop that I’m wagering on for Game 5.
All NBA gameday odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook (unless noted) and current as of Sunday, April 24, at 12 p.m. ET.
Raptors vs 76ers Game 5 Player Props
Gary Trent Jr., Raptors: OVER 1.5 Steals/Blocks (-130) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s unfortunate that we likely aren’t going to have an opportunity to bet on VanVleet to hit the Over on his steals/blocks (hopefully he’s okay). But with the experienced point guard’s status up in the air, I’ll go with his teammate Gary Trent Jr. to get multiple steals/blocks in Game 5.
After turning the ball over only three times in Game 1, the 76ers have turned it over 51 times in the last three games of the series. Someone has to pick up the slack for VanVleet, and I believe that Trent is capable of doing just that.
Trent averaged a career-best 1.7 steals per game in 2021, and he’s now combined for 3+ steals/blocks in two straight games versus the 76ers. With James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid all coughing the ball up often, it shouldn’t take long for Trent to achieve the Over in our NBA bet of the day.
OG Anunoby, Raptors: OVER Points (TBD)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even if VanVleet forces himself to play in Game 5, I don’t expect him to be his usual self.
VanVleet is a lethal shooter from deep and he’s a formidable defender that can create opportunities on the other end of the court, but if he’s either sidelined or limited, the Raptors are going to need other guys to knock down shots to remain competitive in Game 5.
I took OG Anunoby to hit the Over on his threes in Game 4, but foul trouble got him out of his rhythm from deep, and he made just one of his seven three-point attempts.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 5 Predictions.
Instead of taking his threes again, I do like Anunoby to hit the Over on his points on Monday. Anunoby had scored 20+ points in each of the first three games of the series before posting a mere 11 points in Game 4.
I expect Anunoby to stay out of foul trouble early in Game 5, allowing him to be effective on the offensive end again.
Raptors vs 76ers Game 5 Game Props
Race to 20 Points: 76ers (-190)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I decided to wager on the 76ers to score 20 points before the Raptors in Game 4. And while it was a sweat, Philadelphia would score 21 points on a Shake Milton jump shot to give them a 21-18 lead over Toronto in the first quarter on Saturday.
With the 76ers scoring 20+ points first in Game 4, they’ve now reached 20+ points before the Raptors in seven of their eight meetings this season (including the playoffs). Why wouldn’t we go back to taking Philadelphia to score 20+ points first in Game 5?
Even with Embiid dealing with a thumb injury, I expect the 76ers to be aggressive early in Game 5 as they try to get to the free throw line. Getting a Raptors team that has a thin rotation into foul trouble could help Philadelphia advance to the next round of the playoffs, which is why I’m going with them to score 20+ points first on Monday.
PREVIOUSLY: 76ers-Raptors Game 4 Props
There’s a chance that we see our first sweep of the NBA playoffs this year on Saturday when the Toronto Raptors host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 4.
It was a close game in Game 3, with the 76ers erasing a double-digit deficit to force overtime. Philadelphia would outscore Toronto 9-6 in the overtime period, putting the Raptors in danger of being swept in the first round.
Scottie Barnes has missed the last two games of the series and it remains to be seen if he’s able to suit up in Game 4. Regardless of his status, the 76ers have proven to be too much for the Raptors to handle, especially with Philadelphia having four players averaging 18+ points per game in the series.
Ahead of a do-or-die game for the Raptors, here are a couple of player props and a game prop that I like for Game 4 on Saturday.
All NBA gameday odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Friday, April 22, at 11 a.m. ET.
76ers vs Raptors Game 4 Player Props
Fred VanVleet, Raptors: OVER 2.5 Steals/Blocks (+105)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I think it’s time we stop going with Fred VanVleet’s Over on steals/blocks, right? Wrong. Why would we ruin such a perfect bet when it’s hit in the first three games of the series?
Even when the 76ers committed only three turnovers in Game 1, VanVleet still had one steal and two blocks. In the first three games of the series, VanVleet has recorded 3+ steals/blocks in each of them.
Philadelphia has committed 36 turnovers in the past two games of the series, so there should be plenty of opportunities for VanVleet to hit the Over again.
VanVleet has notched 3+ steals/blocks in five of his last seven meetings against the 76ers and in eight of his last 10 appearances overall, which makes this my NBA bet of the day once again.
OG Anunoby, Raptors: Over Threes (TBD)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Assuming that Barnes is unable to suit up again in Game 4, OG Anunoby is poised to be a focal point of Toronto’s offense. Anunoby has produced 20+ points in each of the first three games of the series, averaging 14+ shot attempts while shooting 10-for-21 from three.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 4 Prediction.
The young forward has converted four three-pointers in each of the last two games without Barnes, and even if he returns, Anunoby is going to be needed if the Raptors want to avoid the sweep. I expect Anunoby to attempt 8-10 three-pointers in Game 4, which should give us a good chance for him to hit the Over in threes made.
76ers vs Raptors Game 4 Game Props
Race to 20 Points: 76ers (-135)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Wagering on a team to score a certain amount of points before the opposing team has become a popular bet in recent years. Back in Game 1, I took the 76ers to reach 10 points before the Raptors and we easily hit as Philadelphia jumped out to an 11-5 lead.
In Game 4, we’ll be taking the 76ers to score 20 points before the Raptors do. In the seven meetings between these two teams this season (including the playoffs), Philadelphia has scored 20 points first in six of them. The only time the Raptors scored 20 first was in Game 3, so I’m expecting the 76ers to be aggressive in Game 4 to avoid another double-digit deficit at halftime.
It hasn’t looked like much of a series yet between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors. The 76ers have won the first two games with ease, taking each by 15+ points. Philadelphia has gotten consistent contributions from all of their starters, while Toronto is dealing with ailments to Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr.
We’ve seen some big outings from both sides in this series thus far, making it one that is worth betting on props. Ahead of Game 3, these are the player and game props I’m liking for Wednesday’s pivotal showdown.
All NBA gameday odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook (unless noted) and current as of Tuesday, April 19, 1 p.m. ET.
76ers vs Raptors Game 3 Player Props
Fred VanVleet, Raptors: OVER 2.5 Steals/Blocks (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m going to continue riding this prop until the wheels fall off. I’ve taken Fred VanVleet to hit his Over on steals/blocks in the first two games of the series, and it’s hit both times.
VanVleet has recorded 3+ steals/blocks in both contests thus far, and with James Harden known for turning the ball over in the postseason, VanVleet should have plenty of opportunities for steals in this series.
VanVleet averaged 1.7 steals per game in the regular season, and he’s given us two blocks in the first two games against the 76ers. After having only three turnovers in Game 1, Philadelphia had 14 turnovers in Game 2.
With Game 3 taking place in Toronto, I like VanVleet to hit the Over on steals/blocks with ease, making this my NBA bet of the day.
OG Anunoby, Raptors: OVER 17.5 Points (-130)
WAGER: 1 Unit
It remains to be seen if Barnes or Trent will be able to suit up for the Raptors on Wednesday night. In the time that Barnes and Trent have both been out for the Toronto this season, OG Anunoby has averaged 22.33 points per 36 minutes.
Anunoby also sees the third-highest usage rate of anyone on the Raptors when Barnes and Trent are sidelined, only behind Pascal Siakam and VanVleet.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 3 Predictions.
In Game 2 with Barnes out and Trent limited to nine minutes, Anunoby led Toronto in scoring with 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting, making four of his seven three-point attempts. If Barnes and Trent are limited or out, Anunoby should be relied on to score again on Wednesday night.
76ers vs Raptors Game 3 Game Props
76ers: OVER 108.5 Points (-120) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
Through the first two games of the series, the 76ers have been extremely efficient on the offensive end. Philadelphia has scored an average of 121.5 points per game and they’ve shot 51.2% and 52.2% in the first two games, respectively.
The Raptors have no answer for Joel Embiid in the paint, or the other starters on the 76ers. Philadelphia should score with ease again on Wednesday.
The 76ers have produced 112+ points in four of their last five meetings with the Raptors. The absence of Matisse Thybulle doesn’t affect the offense of Philadelphia much, so scoring shouldn’t be hindered due to his inability to play the next two games.
The Philadelphia 76ers have jumped out to a 1-0 lead over the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. The 76ers seized control of Game 1 from the early moments and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Raptors struggled to get stops on the defensive end and Fred VanVleet couldn’t stay out of foul trouble. Scottie Barnes also sustained an ankle injury that forced him to exit the game early in the fourth quarter.
While Philadelphia set the tone in Game 1, see what props I’m liking for Game 2 of the series between the 76ers and the Raptors.
All NBA gameday odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Sunday, April 17, 1 p.m. ET.
76ers vs Raptors Game 2 Player Props
Fred VanVleet, Raptors: OVER 2.5 Steals/Blocks (+125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Entering Game 1, I took VanVleet to record 2+ steals/blocks. Despite fouling out, he still managed to finish the game with three.
We should expect the 76ers to turn the ball over more than the three times they did in Game 1, so steals should be fairly easy to come by for VanVleet in Game 2 in a crucial game for the Raptors. VanVleet has notched 2+ steals/blocks in nine of his last 10 games, making this our NBA bet of the day.
OG Anunoby, Raptors: OVER 2.5 Threes (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
While we wait for an update on Barnes, I expect OG Anunoby to take on a larger workload for the Raptors in Game 2. Anunoby finished with 20 points in Game 1, knocking down two of his five attempts from deep.
With Toronto needing guys to hit shots from deep to compete with Philadelphia, Anunoby will have the green light from beyond the arc. Anunoby has hit 2+ threes in six of his last seven games and he’s made 2+ threes in six of his last eight matchups with the 76ers.
76ers vs Raptors Game 2 Game Props
Race to 10 Points: 76ers (-155)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Another bet I liked in Game 1 was the 76ers getting to 10 points first. Philadelphia would end up scoring 10 points before Toronto to start the first game of the series, and I expect that to be the case again in Game 2.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 2 Predictions.
Following a quiet offensive output from Joel Embiid, the potential MVP will be aggressive in getting to the basket to start Game 2. The 76ers have now scored 10 points before the Raptors in four of their five meetings this season.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors will be squaring off in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with the series beginning on Saturday, April 16.
The Raptors are coming into the series as the underdogs, while the 76ers are likely feeling the pressure to perform well in the playoffs after acquiring James Harden at the trade deadline. Regardless of who wins the series, it should be competitive between Toronto and Philadelphia.
Even though the 76ers possess the All-Star duo of Joel Embiid and Harden, the Raptors have an All-Star duo of their own with Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, who happen to have championship rings already.
There are plenty of talented players suiting up in this series, which should give us plenty of opportunities to wager on their props. See what props I like in Game 1 below.
All NBA odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m. ET.
76ers Game vs Raptors Game 1 Player Props
Fred VanVleet: Over 1.5 Steals/Blocks (-185)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Since joining the team, we’ve seen Harden become the primary ball-handler on the 76ers as Embiid is the go-to scorer. Harden’s had turnover issues in the postseason before when he’s operated as the main facilitator, and he’s turned the ball over multiple times in 11 of his last 12 games versus the Raptors.
Given the chance we see Harden cough up the ball multiple times, I’m betting on VanVleet to record 2+ steals/blocks on Saturday.
VanVleet combined for 2.2 steals/blocks (1.7 steals, 0.5 blocks) per game this season, and he’s notched 2+ steals/blocks in eight of his last 10 appearances, making this our NBA Play of the Day.
Pascal Siakam: Over 4.5 Assists (-145)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The development of Siakam has been impressive to watch in recent years as he’s evolved into one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA. The Raptors utilize Siakam in various ways, and he averaged a career-high 5.3 assists per game during the regular season.
On top of that, Siakam saw his usage hover above 20 percent in all but three games this season, so he’ll have the ball in his hands plenty in this series. With Siakam expected to have possession of the ball often, betting on him to get 5+ assists is seemingly a wise move.
Siakam has supplied 5+ assists for the Raptors in seven of his last 10 games and each of his last five matchups versus the 76ers. Look for Siakam to attempt to set the tone in Game 1 by contributing in various ways, including in the assists department.
76ers vs Raptors Game 1 Game Props
Race to 10 Points: 76ers (-145)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The crowd at Wells Fargo Center will be jumping in Philadelphia’s first playoff game on Saturday. The 76ers will come out aggressive in the early moments of the game, which should make them scoring 10 points before the Raptors a probable outcome.
- Read our full 76ers vs Raptors Game 1 Predictions.
With Toronto not having a big man that can guard Embiid, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Philadelphia force-feed the potential MVP to get him rolling in the first quarter. In the four meetings between these two squads, the 76ers reached 10 points first in three of them.
Also, Philadelphia has scored 10 points first in seven of their last 10 games. Given the 76ers’ advantage in the paint and their ability to get to the free-throw line, I envision them putting 10 points on the scoreboard before the Raptors in Game 1.
