TOR @ PHI

Game 6

Raptors Lead 3-2

Time: 7 PM CT (ESPN)

Spread: TOR -2

Total: 212

Odds c/o 5dimes

The Toronto Raptors won huge in the swing game, taking Game 5 and a Series 3-2 lead on account of its 125-89 pounding of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors placed all five starters in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam’s 25 points on 7 of 19 shooting. Toronto can now close the series out in Philadelphia, and NBA oddsmakers favor the Raptors by 2-points in a game with an over/under set at 212 points. It will air at 7 PM (CT) on ESPN.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors in Game 5 despite being listed as doubtful to even play prior to the game. He had eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals/blocks while posting a +35 mark for his 34 minutes of court time. Kawhi Leonard also added 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. The Raptors shot 48.8 percent from the field and 16 of 40 (40 percent) from three while leading the Sixers by 21 at the half. Philadelphia never chipped much into that lead, and Toronto proceeded to outscore it by one-point in the third quarter before winning the fourth 33-19. Philly shot just 41 percent from the floor and 25 percent from three while committing 19 turnovers and losing the rebounding battle by a 5-board margin.

The Sixers are going to have to get more from both Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid to avoid losing this series tonight. The pair combined for just 28 points on 11 of 22 shooting, and that simply is not enough shots, even in a blowout that saw Harris play 34 minutes and Embiid 31. Jimmy Butler has continued to show up as the veteran he is, and he had 22 points on 6 of 16 shooting to go with seven rebounds and four assists.

Ben Simmons perhaps, though, was the biggest “non-show” with just five field goal attempts (three makes) and four assists. With Philly’s top-4 players only showing up occasionally, a lot of that can be credited to the Raptors defense, but Philadelphia has to consciously work more from its top options to avoid a quick death in this series. Toronto looks to close it out tonight, as favorites. The Sixers have a lot of talent, but Toronto has consistently been the better team. Siakam has stepped forth to be a major force in this postseason, and he is the popular pick to win the Most Improved Player award. These postseason appearances have only put the stamps on Siakam as an emerging star, while the more popular names (Simmons, in particular) have not shown themselves to be quite the transcendent talents projected.

ATS TRENDS (c/o Covers):