Sixers vs. Raptors Odds & Picks: Defense Continues to Reign

Game 3 provides a few variables that were not present earlier in the series with the venue changing to Toronto, meaning Matisse Thybulle (not fully vaccinated) is not eligible to play. Doc Rivers has taken steps in the series to limit the impact of Thybulle by starting Danny Green instead and only playing Thybulle a combined 29 minutes in the first two games.

On the more traditional way of thinking, Toronto being down 2-0 in the series, needs to break out any tricks they have on either end of the court to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole. If there is one coach that can be trusted to have new adjustments to throw against the wall and see what sticks, Nick Nurse is that coach. That will make this a fascinating matchup to watch, for spectators and bettors alike.

Sixers vs. Raptors Betting Odds

*Lines accurate at time of publication

Sixers vs. Raptors Best Bets

Sixers vs. Raptors Game Total Under 217 Points (-110, FanDuel)

The under in Game 2 looked like it was dead at halftime with 119 points but a clutch 90-point second half led to an unexpected easy cover. The total is sitting at the same spot for Game 3 in Toronto.

The biggest anchor to the total in this series continues to be the pace. The average pace in the series is 89.75, over five possessions fewer than the slowest-paced team over the last month of the regular season. The barrier of entry for both teams to have an efficient enough offense to turn that pace into an over is significant. Especially when you consider in three quarters of Game 2, a team scored fewer than 20 points.

The Sixers in Game 2 still shot very well: 52.2% from the field and 46.7% from deep. They were 26-30 from the free throw line. Toronto did not shoot as well as they did in Game 1 but were still above their averages, having shooting splits of 47.7% from the field, 34.4% from deep, and 10-12 from the stripe. The Raptors did not even get to 100 and the game went under by eight points.

The style of play should be a constant with both teams not going deep into the bench. The only starters to play less than 37 minutes were Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent Jr. Trent was not feeling ill but is expected to start today. For Toronto, not having Scottie Barnes in Game 2, really impeded their ability to mix roles offensively, with only three players totaling more than one assist. It is easier to game plan when the playmakers are not elite and predictable.

Scottie Barnes has not been ruled out for Game 3. If active, he would help on both offense and defense, changing some of the math on the Sixers' offense. It does feel like if Toronto is able to get a win, it will be due to finding a way to turn the game into a rock fight, lending to the under.

Risk: 1.1 units on FanDuel to win 1 unit. (Playable to -120)

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