The Toronto Raptors once again won the Atlantic Division this year and are headed to the playoffs for the third year in a row. That said, there’s a different feeling about this team. Two years ago we all expected a very tough series with the Nets who had the highest payroll in the league and were underachieving to that point in the year, and we got what we expected losing in 7 games. Last year the Raps kind of backed into the playoffs playing some sub par basketball in the second half and I think most fans expected a quick first round exit, which was the case with a sweep at the hands of the Wizards. This year, the expectations seem different. There’s a different kind of buzz around this team and it seems like everything is falling into place at the right moment. The Raps finished second in the East, only 1 game back of the Cavaliers and this year, a first round exit would be a major disappointment.
The oddsmakers agree as SportsInteraction.com has the Raps with odds of 1.27 to win their first round series with the Pacers (here’s a Sports Interaction review). That equals out to about a 78% chance of advancing to the second round. I personally think that sounds about right and I would actually still bet on the Raptors at that price. Like I said, this team is the real deal and the Pacers are not a team that the Raps have had trouble with in the past (how happy are Raps fans not playing the Bulls).
There are a few other series prop bets you can also make at SportsInteraction.com. Here’s a screenshot of some of the bets:
The series correct score odds has the Raps winning in 5 as the most likely scenario. The second most likely is the Raps winning in 7. These are the more likely scenarios because in each of these games Toronto would be winning the series on their home court. Similarly the Pacers to win in 6 is the shortest odds for them winning the series.
Game 1 Odds
Game 1 is set to take place at 12:30pm EST on Saturday. Here are the odds for that game:
The Raps are 6.5 point favourites in this one, and I’m expecting them to come out with something to prove. They should set the tone in this game and I expect a big win in front of the home fans.
Want To Bet On This Series?
SportsInteraction.com is our top rated sportsbook for Canadians, and they are offering plenty of betting options for every game throughout this series.
If you’d like to get some action on the Raps this playoffs you can sign up at SportsInteraction.com and then you will find all of the odds in the SIA sportsbook by clicking on ‘Basketball’ -> ‘USA’ ‘NBA’ for individual games or ‘Basketball’ -> ‘USA’ -> ‘NBA Futures’ for series betting.
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