Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors
Wednesday February 10 at 7:00 pm EST
The Raptors are winners of seven straight at home and 17 of their last 23 overall while Philly has won four straight to match their longest winning streak of the season. This is the last game for both teams and each will want to go into the break with a win streak.
Primetime Performers
76ers: The experts doing US sportbook reviews know Andre Iguodala is the statistical leader in every category for the 76ers except rebounds (he is second), and will hit the court among swirling rumours that he will be on a different team by the February 18th trade deadline. In their last meeting he was one assist away from a triple-double and should have another big night using his superior athleticism against Hedo Turkoglu.
Raptors: Chris Bosh has been almost unstoppable recently, averaging 26.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists over his past 10 games. The All Star put up 29 points, 9 boards and 6 assists in the last meeting earlier this month and should put up similar numbers on Elton Brand who stands two inches shorter than Bosh.
X-Factors
76ers: Samuel Dalembert has been playing very well in the new year and will have his hands full trying to guard Andrea Bargnani. Everyone knows that he will be good around the basket, he has double digit rebounds in 14 straight games, but he will have to come away from the paint and keep the Raptors center under wraps if Philadelphia wants to win.
Raptors: Bargnani is averaging over 23 points in the last four games while shooting 55.4 percent from the floor and a scorching 47.1 percent from three. Those doing NBA betting should know that going up against Dalembert, who will not come away from the basket; he should get some great outside looks.
Offensive Matchup
The 76ers will be totally outmatched in frontcourt offence as their starting two are out-averaged by the Raptors duo 42.1-21.7 on the year. Elton brand has only broken 20 points four times in the last 20 games and Dalembert has broken twenty in rebounds (twice) more times than he has points (once). With Allen Iverson questionable due to a family crisis, illness of one of his children, the scoring will rest solely in the hands of Iguodala. The edge goes to Toronto as they spread the ball around and puts up seven points more on average.
Defensive Matchup
Philadelphia should have the defensive edge in this game as it are third in blocks, fourth in steals and hold teams to under 100 points a game while the Raptors are allowing over 105 a game. Toronto has been playing better defensively as of late and is going up against a team that struggles to 97.6 points a game; NBA betting lines should have the Raps keeping them under 100.
Betting Recommendations
In their only meeting of the season to date, the Raptors beat the 76ers 108-106 in Philadelphia and since they are at home, where they have won 13 of their last 14, Toronto should be able to cruise to victory.
Pick: Raptors extend home winning streak.
