TheToronto Raptors Although they managed to salvage their season on Saturday, the Raptors face an uphill battle as they head into Monday night's game.
In a thrilling fourth quarter, the Raptors triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 110-102, overcoming a hip injury to All-Star guard Fred VanVleet from Game 4 and narrowing the series to 3-1.
Historically, no NBA team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series, but Coach Nick Nurse's team is determined to make that a reality this week.
Pascal Siakam was instrumental in Saturday's Game 4 victory, contributing 34 points, while Gary Trent Jr. supported the effort with an additional 24 points for Toronto.
The return of Scottie Barnes, the NBA Rookie of the Year, also boosted Toronto's performance; he came off the bench to add six points and grab 11 rebounds after recovering from a left ankle sprain he sustained in Game 1.
The Raptors will clash with the Sixers in Philadelphia at 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, with the game being broadcast live on NBA TV.
Raptors Heavy Underdogs in Game 5
A quartet ofOntario sports betting Sportsbook operators view the Raptors as significant underdogs as they head into Philadelphia on Monday night.
BetMGM Ontario BetMGM provides the Raptors with the most favorable odds among competitors (+7.5 and +260), while DraftKings Sportsbook offers slightly larger margins (+8 and +270), followed by Caesars Sportsbook (+8 and +280) and FanDuel Sportsbook, which has the Raptors as underdogs at (+9 and +270).
It will be intriguing to see whether Nurse’s team can maintain its momentum in Game 5, especially with VanVleet sidelined and Joel Embiid anticipated to play for Philadelphia following a thumb injury incurred in Game 3.
The Sixers will welcome back Matisse Thybulle, who was absent during Games 3 and 4 in Toronto due to vaccination status. The only player unavailable for the Sixers on Monday evening is center Charles Bassey.
Raptors vs. Sixers Series Schedule
- Game 1, April 16 in Philadelphia: Sixers 131, Raptors 111.
- Game 2, April 18 in Philadelphia: Sixers 112, Raptors 97.
- Game 3, April 20 in Toronto: Sixers 104, Raptors 101 in overtime.
- Game 4, April 23 in Toronto: Raptors 110, Sixers 102 (Philadelphia leads the series 3-1).
- Game 5: Today, 8 p.m., in Philadelphia.
- Game 6: If required, April 28, time TBD, in Toronto.
- Game 7: If required, April 30, time TBD, in Philadelphia.
The Raptors are considered longshots for the championship among Ontario sportsbooks.
While their chances of progressing past the Sixers appear slim, their odds of claiming the NBA title are even less favorable.
Toronto ranks among the bottom contenders in the 16-team playoff, withFanDuel Sportsbook Ontario the Raptors being listed last in title odds with +49000.
Other betting platforms also lack confidence in the team, with BetMGM and DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario placing them at +40000 to secure the 2022 NBA championship.Caesars Sportsbook Ontario In the meantime, the Raptors are set for a crucial \"win or go home\" game in Philadelphia on Monday, hoping to take a step closer to creating a new chapter in NBA history.
An award-winning sportsbook offering competitive betting lines.
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