Now that LeBron James is in the Western Conference, the East will have a new champion this year. Two of the main contenders are the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors, and they will face off this week in an early-season barometer of where each team stands. The Raptors have the best record in the NBA, as their trade for star forward Kawhi Leonard this offseason proved prescient.
They could extend their lead with a big win in this one, but the 76ers won’t go quietly. They have played well since the trade acquisition of Jimmy Butler and have the type of talent to make this one a competitive finish down to the wire.
Toronto will be favored in this one but it should be an intriguing Eastern Conference showdown in NBA wagering.
This NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors will be held at Scotia Bank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 6 p.m ET on Wednesday, December 5th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The 76ers have a record of 16-8 on the season and have won eight of their past 10 games, but have struggled on the road this season. Philly has captured only four of their 11 contests away from home and will need to turn that around in this one.
The Raptors have been dominant all year long and boast a record of 19-4. They have been great at home with 10 wins in 12 attempts. Toronto is expected to win this game but still has to be energized and ready to roll, which shouldn’t be a problem with the national television audience tuning in.
There is live betting options in this game, which means the wagers will be available even after tipoff in NBA odds.
Key Stat
37. That’s the number of points Kawhi Leonard scored in Toronto’s recent 131-128 win over the Golden State Warriors, which was a big victory to confirm the Warriors’ spot among the best teams in the NBA. Leonard missed almost all of last season with an injury and was disgruntled in San Antonio, but has looked invigorated in Toronto.
While not always known to be a dominant scorer, he is averaging 25 points per game this year while added team-bests with 8.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals while playing his trademark tough defense.
Leonard is the big reason why the Raptors are considered true Eastern Conference favorites this year.
Injury Report
The 76ers are expected to be without guard Markelle Fultz as he continues to search for answers regarding his troublesome shoulder. Fultz injured it last year and either the injury or some mental hurdle has forced him into a hideous shooting stroke.
Fultz is a good all-around player but will never be able to live up to the billing as a former No. 1 overall pick if he can’t shoot the ball from the perimeter. The 76ers may decide to trade Fultz as he reportedly would like a fresh start.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Even without Fultz, the 76ers have a good deal of talent between Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Butler. They should be able to keep this one close, so check to see where the spread comes in. The Raptors are the pick to win this contest as they have the more well-rounded team and have the luxury of playing this game at home.
If Toronto looks off early, don’t panic as it should come around. That could be something to take advantage of with the live betting option in NBA betting.
NBA ATS Pick: Toronto Raptors 122, Philadelphia 76ers 117
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