In Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Toronto Raptors were able to shut down a powerful offense just long enough to even up the series at two games apiece as things head back to Canada on Tuesday night. Toronto got 39 points from Kawhi Leonard, including a huge three-ball with 1:01 remaining in the fourth quarter, and snuck out of Philadelphia with a win that gave them home court advantage once again. Marc Gasol added 16, and Kyle Lowry chipped in 14. On Philadelphia’s side, Joe Embiid was struggling with an illness and only mustered 11 points. Jimmy Butler led the way with 29 and JJ Redick had 19, but it was not enough to overcome the Raptors. Can Philadelphia get back on top in Game 5? Or will Toronto push them to the brink of elimination? Don’t miss our NBA Playoffs sports betting preview.
76ers vs Raptors NBA Playoffs Odds & Game 5 Preview
Before tonight’s Game 5 action on @NBAonTNT (8pm/et), relive Kawhi’s impressive Game 4 tallying 39 PTS, 14 REB & 5 AST in the @Raptors‘ win to tie the series at 2-2! #WeTheNorth #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/nLGfAz4FTc
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2019
- When: Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 8:00pm ET
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
- TV: TNT
- Radio: Philadelphia / Toronto
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- NBA Odds: Toronto Raptors -6.5 / O/U 211.5
Why should you bet on Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia 76ers saw a two-game winning streak in this series come to an end in Game 4. They’re still averaging 112.6 points per game in the postseason, led by 21.4 points and 10.8 boards per game from Joel Embiid, but they need Embiid back at full strength going into Game 5. Jimmy Butler has done his best to fill the void that Embiid leaves, averaging almost 19 points per game, but without Embiid, Philadelphia lacks that interior presence that they need to deliver a win here.
The 76ers have split their last 10 games away from Philadelphia, but they have done better against the spread lately against Eastern Conference foes, covering in six of their last seven games. They have also covered in each of their last four games played on one day’s rest. However, Toronto has not been kind to them, as they have only covered once in their last six games at Scotiabank — but Game 2 was that game. When they are road underdogs by five or more points, they have only covered in four of the last 16 matchups. If you like Philadelphia, you see Embiid returning and giving Philadelphia that weapon inside that can slow down Leonard enough to deliver a win.
Why should you put your money on Toronto?
Toronto is still averaging 10 fewer points per game in these playoffs than Philadelphia is — but they have this series even at two games a piece. Kawhi Leonard (32.3 points, 7.7 rebounds per game) and Pascal Siakam (21.3 points, 6.9 rebounds per game) are the two biggest reasons why, while Kyle Lowry is also scoring in double figures, and Marc Gasol has more than five boards per game as well. Scotiabank Arena has been particularly kind to the Raptors lately as they have won six of seven at home.
Toronto has covered in five of their last seven games at home — but just twice in their last 11 games in the Eastern Conference semifinal round. If you like the Raptors in Game 5, you see them clamping down with the same sort of defense they showed in Games 1 and 4, and that Philadelphia will still have a diminished contribution from Embiid.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
This has been a difficult series to pick, because Philadelphia has played so inconsistently. The 76ers have the higher ceiling — but they also have the lower floor. I see Philadelphia pushing harder in this game and getting more out of Embiid, which is why I find this line a little high. I predict a final score of Philadelphia 109, Toronto 106.
