One of the biggest games on the board in the NBA tonight sees the Toronto Raptors hosting Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers and Raptors currently sit fourth and fifth respectively in the Eastern Conference playoff standings and are staring down the barrel of a rematch of their epic seven-game second-round series from 2019.
However, neither spot is secured, and a win tonight would be big for both.
So, who has the edge when it comes to this tight spread? Find out in our free NBA betting picks and predictions for 76ers vs. Raptors on January 4.
Editor's note: Ontario! Welcome to the world of regulated sports betting. Visit our Ontario sports betting page for the best legal betting sites available to you and all the information you need about this emerging industry.
76ers vs Raptors odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Raptors hit the board for this Atlantic Division clash as slight favorites but the line has jumped the fence and it is now the 76ers who are 1.5-point favorites as of Thursday afternoon. The total has also seen decent action, moving up as high as 220 after opening at 215.5.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
76ers vs Raptors predictions
- Prediction: Raptors +1.5 (-110)
- Prediction: Under 220 (-110)
- Best bet: Barnes Over 23.5 pts + rebs (-110)
Predictions made on 4/07/2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for the 2021-22 NBA season, here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New user big boost: Bet $1 on any NBA moneyline at DraftKings and get $150 in free bets if your team wins! Sign Up Now
B) James Harden and Pascal Siakam to each have Over 24.5 points BOOSTED to +450 at Caesars! Claim Now
*Eligible USA locations only
76ers vs Raptors game info
• Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
• Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: SN1, NBCS-Philadelphia
76ers vs Raptors betting preview
Key injuries
76ers: Matisse Thybulle SF (Out).
Raptors: OG Anunoby SF (Out).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The 76ers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a favorite while the Raptors are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Raptors.
76ers vs Raptors picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
This is one of the biggest games on the NBA board tonight.
The Raptors come into this game as winners of 12 of their last 15 games, going 11-4 against the spread in the process. Because of this run, the Raps have climbed all the way to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
They lead the Bulls by 1.5 games and would love to stay out of the sixth spot. Toronto still also has an outside shot of catching Philly for fourth if it wins out and the Sixers lose out.
Meanwhile, the Sixers have steadied themselves a bit, knocking off three straight wins following a three-game losing streak. They still have a good shot to finish as high as second in the East. That said, those last games came against the Pacers, Cavaliers, and Hornets, and Philly only went 1-2 ATS in those matchups.
Joel Embiid continues to be a monster for the 76ers but the offense has taken a bit of a step back overall recently. Since the start of March, the Sixers rank a mediocre 14th in offensive rating. Over that same span, the Raptors have the third-best ranked defense.
In fact, Nick Nurse concocted a game plan that limited Embiid to just 21 points and James Harden to 17 in a 93-88 defensive battle when these teams last met on March 20.
And even though the Sixers’ defense has remained solid, not having one of their best defenders in Matisse Thybulle will be a big deal.
While the Sixers undoubtedly have more top-end talent, the Raptors have been the more consistent of the two teams in the second half of the season. In front of their home crowd, the Raps should play like they want this game more.
Prediction: Raptors +1.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Over/Under analysis
Early bettors came in hot and heavy on the Over for this matchup, but the number has been driven too high in my opinion when you consider this matchup features two strong defenses and what should be a playoff-like atmosphere in Toronto.
As noted, the Raps have had the NBA’s third-best defense since the start of March, and the 105.6 points allowed per game is the second-lowest mark in the NBA over that span. They also notably held the Sixers to 88 points in their last meeting.
On the other side, the Sixers' defense has been solid if not great, ranking 12th in defensive rating since the start of March, giving up 110.5 points per game. While the Raptors' offense can get hot, they still rank 27th in effective field goal percentage for the season.
Throw in the fact the Sixers and Raps rank 26th and 27th respectively when it comes to pace of play, and this one has defensive battle written all over it once again.
Prediction: Under 220 (-110 at Bet365)
Best bet
We talked about how the Sixers defense will be missing a key piece like Thybulle, and that could mean a big night for Scottie Barnes.
The Raptors’ rookie has been outstanding in the second half of the season, averaging 17.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals since the All-Star break. His points + rebounds total is on the board at 23.5, a number he’s gone over in the last three games and 13 times in 22 games.
Now he faces a Sixers defense that has struggled with consistency, is missing a key piece, and ranks 22nd in rebounding percentage. Bet on another big night for Barnes.
Pick: Scottie Barnes Over 23.5 points + rebounds (-110 at Caesars)
