NBA Playoffs 2022 on Thursday, 21.04.2022
The Philadelphia 76ers have managed a series against the Toronto Raptors that threatened to get tricky without much trouble so far. While the Sixers aren’t through yet, everything is going according to plan after the first two games.
I have to admit that despite my sympathy for the visitors, I’m a bit hesitant with my Raptors Sixers tip for Game 3.
That’s because the Canadians will get arguably their best opportunity yet to finally win their first game, and not just because of home court advantage…
Even the constant lamentations of the visitors’ coach about the allegedly irregular manner in which Joel Embiid gained access to the Raptors’ basket during his energetic forays could not prevent another clear defeat for his team.
So my two 76ers Raptors picks worked out – and to be honest, it wasn’t witchcraft! Because Philadelphia used exactly the same script in the second game as already in the first match and left their superstars on the floor as long as possible.
The entire starting five of the home side was on the court for 40 minutes – that was enough to overwhelm the Canadians. Philly’s centre Joel Embiid acted as a kind of battering ram and put the visitors’ backline in trouble again early on.
A perfect example of my thesis was provided in the opening minutes! Joel Embiid’s direct forays to the opponent’s basket led to an 11:2 lead within a very short time, which forced the guests to break the rules early on.
In order to stop the Cameroonian, the Canadians had to resort to fouls – and then some! What followed were lots of free throws and many Raptors players getting into “early foul trouble” early on.
To put it in a nutshell: Embiid started like fire and scored 19 of his total 31 points in the first quarter – 12 of them from the free throw line! Especially in this point the contrast was striking!
Because the Cameroonian converted 12 of his total 14 FT that night, and was thus awarded more free throws than the entire Raptors team! This tendency of the Canadians to foul alone could already decide the series in my eyes.
On top of that, Tyrese Maxey put in another sensational performance with 23 points. Admittedly: Before the start of the series, I wouldn’t have expected the guard to play such a supporting role in the Sixers’ game.
And even though I think Philadelphia will win this series in the end, it could now come to a split in Canada in the course of the coming games. Because Tyrese Maxey is not allowed to travel across the northern border due to his vaccination status!
But even if the 76ers don’t split, but instead lose both games, I’m still not too worried about their advancement. However, the loss of Maxey will now take some pressure off the Raptors defence!
The Canadians will also have to activate all their forces in this game, because if they fall behind 0:3, the fair is read! The Sixers, on the other hand, will – should they win Game 3 as well – take a more relaxed approach in the fourth game at the latest in order to spare their regulars a bit!
In any case, it will be a game on a knife’s edge! However, the Raptors’ scoring rate was so bad in the last game with only 42.7% that I’d rather give the Philly’s the benefit of the doubt!
It’s going to be a very close game where you might as well flip a coin! Finally, the Raptors 76ers odds are also nearly even – and for the first time so far in this series!
A Canadian triumph is being offered at an average of 2.05, while a 76ers win is being offered at a slightly lower 1.80 – in which case the visitors would probably be able to put the lid on the series for good!
Conclusion: In the first two games, the Sixers let their best man loose on the Raptors and just let them do it. Embiid, moreover, got excellent support from Maxey and occasionally Harden.
But Maxey will now be unable to contribute for the first time in Game 3, while the Raptors finally escape the roar of opposing fans.
Bottom line, though, I’d rather give the win to the Sixers once again. The Raptors foul too often and had such a poor scoring rate the day before yesterday that I simply trust Embiid and Co to do better this time too!
My Raptos 76ers tip: The visitors win in a heart-stopping final!
