Two NBA playoff games tip tonight as the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors play Game 2 of their series. While in the West, the Denver Nuggets host the Portland Trail Blazers in the opening game of the Conference Semi-Finals. We’re here to bring you the must-read notes from around the Association to help you make the day’s best wagers. **video
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT TORONTO RAPTORS
Spread: Toronto Raptors -6.5
Over/Under: 220.5 points
Series Price: 76ers +341/Raptors -435
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Kawhi Leonard’s success versus the 76ers this season continued in Game 1 where he scored a career playoff best 45 points on Saturday. The loss made it 14 in a row in Toronto for the Sixers as they have not won there since Nov. 10, 2012.
If the 76ers want to pull off the upset and end that skid, they’ll need to shoot much better than the 39.3 percent they averaged in the opening game. And the 76ers will need to be more efficient in the first half of games. Look for Philadelphia to come out strong and continue their success in first quarters where they rank first in the Association averaging 30.7 points. Take the 2-points with the 76ers in the first quarter.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT DENVER NUGGETS
Spread: Denver Nuggets -4
Over/Under: 215.5 points
Series Price: Trail Blazers +135/Nuggets -162
Start Time: 10:30 pm. ET, Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
It took the Nuggets a hard fought seventh game to put away the Spurs in the opening round. And less than 48 hours later, they meet a Portland Trail Blazers team who are coming off an impressive series victory versus the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. In the four regular season meetings, the Nuggets were victorious in three-of-four, with their only loss coming while resting Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.
As well as Jokic played in the opening round, this series will be much more difficult versus a Blazers team good at defending opposing centers, allowing only 21.4 points per game. The Blazers have been solid at defending the paint, limiting opponents to only 47.5 points per game. Look for Portland to keep Jokic in check and back Under his points total of 24.5.
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