The NBA Atlantic Division champions Toronto Raptors tip-off the 2007 NBA Playoffs at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday (April 21) against the New Jersey Nets at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. In capturing their first division championship in franchise history, the Raptors racked up 47 wins overall and a record 30 wins at home. The Raptors have not made the playoffs since the 2001-02 campaign.
Toronto and New Jersey split the season series 2-2 , with each team winning their home games. This is the first playoff meeting between the Raptors and Nets. New Jersey holds a 25-20 edge in the all-time series. The Raptors are 1-2 all-time in the first game of postseason play. In betting trends the home team has also covered the spread (ATS) in all four games. The total has gone UNDER in 3-of-4 games on the season.
In game one of this best of seven series, oddsmakers at most offshore sportsbooks have installed Toronto the favorite by a -4 ½ point chalk with the total set at 191. With home court advantage, Toronto is also favored to win the first round with 3/1 odds if the series goes seven games as opposed to 5/1 odds for New Jersey. If the series goes five games, the Raptors are 7/2 favorites and 9/2 if the series goes six games. If the series ends after six games, oddsmakers like the Nets at 4/1 odds. Oddsmakers give Toronto and 8/1 shot at winning the Eastern Conference Championship and New Jersey 25/1 chance.
Chris Bosh has become the face of the Toronto franchise , one that used to belong to Vince Carter, now with the Nets. While much is being made of the Bosh-Carter match-up, Toronto Coach Sam Mitchell has a differing view.
“The last time I checked, it’s the Toronto Raptors playing the New Jersey Nets. Now unless Vince (Carter) is going to get on an airplane, leave his teammates at home and come walk on the court to play five against one, then that would be a news story.”
