Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers: Shorthanded Sixers Seek First Win of Embiid’s Absence

Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers were one of many NBA teams who were hit hard by COVID issues. They navigated those issues and injury issues throughout the season to finish first in the Eastern Conference. This season, with the Ben Simmons situation casting a large shadow, the Sixers looked primed for another run at a top seed in the East. They are not getting much love from NBA betting odds, but they should be near the top of the standings all season long.

But once again, COVID issues have cropped up again for Doc Rivers, and they have taken down his best player this week. Already without second-leading scorer Tobias Harris, defensive ace Matisse Thybulle, and depth piece Isaiah Joe for COVID-related reasons, MVP candidate Joel Embiid entered the health and safety protocols on Monday.

The Sixers had the best record in the Eastern Conference, having won eight of their first ten games. But entering tonight’s game, they are 8-4 after losses to the Bucks and Knicks on Monday and Tuesday. Given that they were without Embiid, Harris, and Thybulle against the Knicks and then didn’t have third-leading scorer Seth Curry (foot contusion) against the Bucks, to lose by single digits to both teams isn’t all that awful.

While Embiid is likely to miss most, if not all, of the Sixers’ upcoming road trip that includes games against the Jazz, Nuggets, and Warriors, things are looking up for tonight’s game. Harris is listed as questionable but is expected to return to action tonight after missing six games. Also, there is a chance that Curry, also listed as questionable, could return as well.

Will the Sixers be able to break their brief stumble tonight? Or will the Raptors, losers of three straight, break their own losing skid?

Toronto Raptors (6-6) vs Philadelphia 76ers (8-4), NBA TV, 7:00 p.m. ET

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Toronto Raptors +146
• Philadelphia 76ers -174

Total

• OVER 210.5 (-112)
• UNDER 210.5 (-108)

Spread

• Toronto Raptors +4 (-110)
• Philadelphia 76ers -4 (-110)

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To compare NBA betting odds from several top online sportsbooks, check out our NBA odds.

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA Betting Picks

Check out our Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA betting picks, betting stats, and other Raptors vs 76ers matchup info here: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Matchup: NBA Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Betting News aggregates our NBA betting picks from trusted sports betting industry sources. Along with NBA picks for every NBA matchup, we also offer MLB picks, NFL picks, and NHL picks.

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Best Bets

Philadelphia 76ers -4

How much of an impact Harris will be able to have is unknown. According to Rivers, COVID hit Harris hard, so he may need time to get back up to speed. For that reason, it would be wise to give any NBA betting props involving Harris a pass tonight. But the Sixers are a better with him than without him, even if he has to be limited tonight.

His absence came at a terrible time from an individual standpoint, as he was off to a fantastic start. Through his first six games, he was outpacing his career highs in rebounds per game and assists per game, and he was averaging 19.8 points per game, a number he has surpassed only once in his career.

The Sixers were in contention in their losses to the Knicks and Bucks, which is encouraging given their shorthandedness. Monday’s loss was a one-point game with five minutes left, while they led Tuesday’s game with under six minutes left. Their shorthandedness may have hurt them against those two teams but won’t tonight, especially if both Curry and Harris return.

Shooting Should Lead Sixers to Success Against Raptors

I’d feel even better here if Curry’s status was more definite. But even if he can’t go tonight, perimeter shooting will be a decisive factor. The Sixers lead the NBA from the perimeter, hitting 38 percent of their threes. Curry leads the way at 48.3 percent, but he isn’t their only threat. Georges Niang (41.3 percent), Danny Green (38.8 percent), Tyrese Maxey (38.5 percent), and Furkan Korkmaz (36.6 percent) all shoot at a solid clip. And Harris is shooting only 32 percent this season but is a much better shooter for his career.

The Sixers hoisted over 40 threes apiece against the Bucks and Knicks but were only 13 of 40 against the Knicks (32.5 percent) and 14 of 43 (32.6 percent) against the Bucks. But this team rarely goes more than a couple of games without hitting at least their current season average. The Raptors are 21st in the NBA in defending the three, so I like my odds here with or without Curry.

NBA Betting Prop Watch: Tyrese Maxey OVER 25.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists

With Simmons away from the team, Maxey has made the most of a chance to take on an expanded role. Last season, he averaged 15.3 minutes per game, but that has expanded to 35.4 minutes per game thus far this season.

Maxey had 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists against the Knicks on Monday. He followed that with a season-high 31 points, five rebounds, and four assists against the Bucks. Notably, Maxey attempted 15 threes in those two games (and made seven) after shooting only 24 threes in his first ten games.

Expect him to continue firing away against the Raptors. With Harris and potentially Curry back, Maxey may not have to put up 20 shots tonight, but he should have the green light again. His points total will be a heavy contributor to this prop tonight. But he is also averaging almost six assists per game this month, and that also makes his points + assists (and the alt options) worth consideration. Excellent NBA betting value for the Sixers’ rising star.

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers Score Prediction

Philadelphia 76ers 110, Toronto Raptors 102