Free NBA Picks and Odds: Toronto Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers Expert Predictions – NBA Betting Preview 4/8/11: The Toronto Raptors are already booking their flights and making plans for the offseason, as is evident in their play as of late. Their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night pretty much summed up their season in three hours of play. The Raps’ have been outworked, outmuscled, outcoached all season long and there will be some serious questions for GM Brian Colangelo to ponder over this offseason. Jay Triano’s job will surely be in question when the offseason hits and there are rumblings that the search has already begun for a new bench boss. It might be time for the Raps’ to ship off PG Jose Calderon also. They tried last summer and had it not been for Michael Jordan voicing an opinion he would have already been playing in new colors this season. Rookie Ed Davis has appeared to be a solid selection and his maturation and progression into his second season will be essential for the Raptors to follow this summer. As for tonight’s contest, the Raptors have actually fared well against the 76ers and the youngsters will want to show management that they deserve to stick around.
The 76ers have let some sloppy play of late push them back into the 7th seed in the eastern conference ranks. But ask any team personnel and they might say they prefer to be in that spot. Reason being, they are now lined up to play the Celtics in the first round, not the Heat. Philadelphia has a great track record against Boston and they believe they could have a legitimate shot of stealing a first round series against the Celtics, rather than the Heat who they have struggled with all season long. Elton Brand will be the rallying point for the 76ers in this year’s postseason. The 6’6’” power forward has been lights out all season long, he has an exceptional 51.1 field goal % and is averaging 15 points per contest. Him, along with Thaddeus Young and Jrue Holiday makes up a potent nucleus that has given teams fits this season. It will be important for the 76ers’ to end the season hot and roll into the postseason on all cylinders, too often we have seen this club succumb to long losing streaks.
Tonight the Raptors come to town, a team the 76ers really do not want to see at this point. For one reason or another, the Raptors have had the 76ers number all season long. Andrea Bargnani becomes a one-man beast when he lines up against Philly and Jose Calderon is lights out from beyond the arc. The Raptors have all the reason to play this game hard as every spot, minus Ed Davis, is up for grabs this offseason. Management has already publicly said that every position is being evaluated, so I expect a concerted and hard fought effort on the part of the Raps’. Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia and is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia. Philadelphia is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Toronto and is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto. We will consider the Raptors keeping this one relatively close. Cheers!
FREE PICKS Tonight: Play Toronto Raptors +11
Toronto Raptors(21-57) at Philadelphia 76ers(40-39)
Time: 7:05 PM EST
Vegas Odds – Favorite: Philadelphia -11 Total: Over/Under 204.5
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