NBA Basketball
2012-04-11 - Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 11 April 2012 - Tip Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers (30-27) were in control of the Atlantic Division until a late season collapse now leaves their whole place in the Play Offs in jeopardy. The Boston Celtics look like they will win this Division now, but the 76ers cannot overlook another Divisional rival as they travel to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors (20-38).
The 76ers will look to win back to back games for the first time in a month after beating the New Jersey Nets last night, but you know Doug Collins will be reminding them of their 19 point loss to the Raptors last week on Wednesday at home.
Collins has not been impressed with the way the team have been playing in recent games and he made changes yesterday, one of the major talking points being the dropping of Spencer Hawes. The big Center showed his professionalism by dropping 19 points from the bench yesterday after totalling just 9 in the previous 2 games.
Toronto have averaged just 84.3 points per game in the 3 games since beating Philadelphia, but they continue to play hard despite having nothing really going for them and they almost came back from 15 point deficit in a close loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday.
It looks like they will be short handed tonight as Andrea Bargnani is set to miss his second game in a row with a sore calf. Bargnani has 45 points and 16 rebounds in the 2 games against the 76ers this season so will be a big miss, while Jose Calderon is also missing.
Head to Head
The teams have split the season series 1-1, both straight up and against the spread, although this is the first meeting in Canada.
Philadelphia are 2-1 in the last 3 visits to Toronto, both straight up and against the spread.
Toronto are 15-13-1 against the spread at home this season, Philadelphia are 12-14 on the road.
Toronto are 26-19-1 against the spread as the underdog, Philadelphia are 24-17 as the favourite.
Other Interesting Trends
Toronto are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as the home underdog given between 0.5 and 4.5 points.
They are 13-4-1 against the spread in their last 18 games against a team with a winning record.
Philadelphia are just 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games as the road favourite of between 0.5 and 4.5 points.
However, they are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 games against a team with a losing record at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the Philadelphia 76ers to cover the spread despite some big trends going against them. I like them for the following reasons:
First, Philadelphia are 3-1 against the spread as the road favourite of between 3.5 and 6 points.
Second, Philadelphia have performed well after a Divisional game this season, going 6-3 against the spread in their next game.
Third, Toronto's lack of scoring points could give the Philadelphia bench a chance to set the tone for the 76ers in this one.
The Pick :
Toronto Raptors 91-97 Philadelphia 76ers
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Philadelphia 76ers - 4 Points @ 1.92
