Can defending champions really still be considered underdogs? The Raptors' odds of winning tonight would certainly suggest as much. Toronto currently sits at a 2.5-point disadvantage to win over the Boston Celtics according to the NBA sportsbooks.
Tonight, September 11, marks game seven against the Celtics and things aren't looking good for the Raptors.
As they head into the end of their time with the Boston team, it looks like the stats aren't in their favour.
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According to Sportsnet, the Raptors are listed as the underdogs and are also behind on the wager of becoming repeating NBA champions.*
However, that doesn't mean all hope is lost.
The Raps managed to fight and claw their way back into being contenders, narrowly escaping a loss to Boston in a 125-122 overtime win on Wednesday.
That victory mostly belongs to the team's long-time leader Kyle Lowry who put up a whopping 33 points during the game.
OG Anunoby also stepped up to the plate during Game 3, saving the team with an epic buzzer-beater.
Noticeably missing during the team's playoff season has been Pascal Siakam.
The 26-year-old NBA star has maintained a solid defence during the last six games, but his offence has been sorely lacking.
Still, head coach Nick Nurse thinks Spicy P could get it together for Game 7.
"He did it all year long. And then the pandemic hit, and the break has not treated him as well as maybe everybody else. So, we've gotta get one for him so he can give himself an opportunity to show who he is, again, for the umpteenth time," Nurse stated.
The Raptors will play the Boston Celtics at 9:00 p.m. tonight.
*This article has been updated.
