76ers vs Raptors Picks and Predictions: Depleted Dinos No Match for Embiid's Sixers

Does a 45-point loss count if your team’s roster more closely resembles that of a pickup game at your local YMCA than an NBA team? Well, that’s what happened to the Toronto Raptors in their latest loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The shorthanded Raps might get some reinforcements for tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers but will it be enough to cover as 6.5-point home underdogs? Find out in our free NBA betting picks and predictions for 76ers vs. Raptors on December 28.

76ers vs Raptors odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

The line opened with the Raptors as 6.5-point underdogs with the potential of getting some key pieces back but the uncertainty has resulted in little movement thus far. The total hit the board at 211 and has actually been bet up to 213.5.

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: 76ers -6.5 (-110)
• Prediction: Over 213.5 (-110)
• Best bet: Seth Curry Over 2.5 made threes (+115)

Predictions made on 12/28/2021 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

76ers vs Raptors game info

• Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
• Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2021
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet

76ers vs Raptors betting preview

Injuries

76ers: Danny Green SG (Out), Shake Milton PG (Out), Andre Drummond C (Out).
Raptors: Pascal Siakam PF (Questionable), Gary Trent Jr. SG (Questionable), Khem Birch C (Questionable), OG Anunoby SF (Out), Fred VanVleet PG (Out), Scottie Barnes SF (Out), Precious Achiuwa C (Out), Malachi Flynn PG (Out). 
Find our latest NBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The 76ers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games when facing a team with a losing home record. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Raptors.

76ers vs Raptors picks and predictions

Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.

Spread analysis

Yes, a group of players wearing Toronto Raptors jerseys were smoked 144-99 by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Boxing Day in a game that still seems unfair that the NBA made them play, particularly when you have a Raptors win total Over ticket in your pocket.

That said, the Raps are hoping to get some reinforcements for tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., and Khem Birch have all cleared the NBA’s healthy and safety protocols but are still questionable to play as the team determines their conditioning.

And while the Sixers are just 7-16-1 ATS since the middle of November they should still have more than enough firepower to take down this version of the Raptors.

In fact, Philly has played fairly well recently winning two of their last three games which includes wins over the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. Plus, Joel Embiid is in a groove. 

The Sixers big man is averaging 33 points while shooting 53.1% from the floor while adding 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game over his last four contests. And the Raptors have little to nothing to slow Embiid down. 

Yes, the 76ers have been inconsistent this season, but they have an NBA roster, featuring one of the Association’s best stars. Meanwhile, the Raptors' depth was shaky when they were fully healthy. Even with the potential of Siakam, Trent, and Birch coming back, there is no way you can feel confident backing them in this spot.  

Prediction: 76ers -6.5 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

When it comes to the total, the early money is on the Over, and that is not all that surprising considering how the shorthanded Raptors are coming off a game in which they allowed 144 points that are an average-at-best offensive team that was missing two of its best players.

While Nick Nurse is one of the better defensive minds in the NBA, he is just working with so little at the moment. The guys he has in place just can’t cover the same assignments as his regulars. And this team already ranked 20th in defensive rating.

The Sixers meanwhile, are coming into this one off a 117-point performance against the Wizards and are shooting 47.1% from the field over the last three games. The Raptors are still playing with a bunch of replacement players and the Sixers should find it easier and easier to score as the game wears on. 

Even if the Raptors can’t reach the century mark, the Sixers should be able to do the heavy lifting and send this one Over the total.

Prediction: Over 213.5 (-110)

Best bet

The Cavaliers were just jacking up threes against what looked like a lost Toronto defense in that ugly Boxing Day loss. The Cavs ended up nailing 22 long balls in that game, hitting 42% of their 52 attempts. You can bet the Sixers’ sharpshooters will want to do the same.

While the Raptors could have Trent back for this matchup, he can’t guard everyone on the perimeter. That could mean a nice night for Seth Curry. The other Curry is shooting 40.9% from downtown this season and he’s had the hot hand for the Sixers lately. 

Curry has hit three or more threes three times in his last four games and has hit 50% of his attempts over that span. Expect him to keep letting it fly against these depleted Dinos.

Pick: Seth Curry Over 2.5 made threes (+115)

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