Subscribe
Follow Us
The Philadelphia 76ers won Game 1 of their first-round series versus the Toronto Raptors 131-111.
The Sixers did it behind Tyrese Maxey dropping 38 points on 14-for-21 shooting. Their main guys, James Harden and Joel Embiid, had relatively quiet games but made the Raptors pay from the foul line, combining for 15-of-18 from the charity stripe.
As they come into Game 2 of this series, the Sixers are looking to stamp their authority and carry a 2-0 lead into Canada. Here are three bold Sixers predictions for Game 2 against the Raptors.
Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Bold Sixers predictions for Game 2 versus Raptors
James Harden will remain the facilitator, rather than a scorer
If we take away the 14 assists Harden compiled, the Sixers really only had Tobias Harris setting up his teammates. Harris had six assists and Embiid had four, with the rest of the Sixers other than Harden combining for five dimes. That seems to be the game plan for Philadelphia since the Beard is such a gifted passer.
Since he arrived in Philadelphia via a midseason trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers dropped just two games when Harden had 10 or more assists. Given that he is averaging 10.3 assists per game, it is not so far-fetched to assume that Harden will register double-digit assists again this series. Given that the Raptors must also defend Harden as a scorer, since he can get hot in any given game, he will be a massive problem for Toronto going forward.
Now, this is not to say that Harden is not going to fill it up, but his main role on this team specifically is to set up his teammates. Whether it is a pass in the middle to Embiid, a dish to a cutting Maxey or setting up Harris for a three-pointer, Harden has the vision to find these opportunities and really punish opposing defenses. A lot of his assists also come from the massive amount of defensive attention he gets. Harden has to be guarded as soon as he crosses the middle of the court, given his deep shooting range, so there is a world of chances for Harden to win this next game for the Sixers.
Look for the Beard to once again be the world-class facilitator that he is in Game 2.
Joel Embiid will drop 40 points in Game 2
Joel Embiid is a legitimate MVP contender, which is why his 5-for-15 shooting in Game 1 was so jarring. Embiid can impact the game in a myriad of ways and to his credit, did just that on Saturday. Despite his struggles offensively, Embiid grabbed 15 boards, dished out four assists and blocked one shot, while also missing just two free throws. Having this kind of player that can be impactful even when it is not going his way offensively means a lot for the Sixers and should give them a fighting chance in any series going forward.
However, a poor game like that also means Embiid will be ready to explode in Game 2.
Embiid is a player built for the playoffs. He is a nightmare matchup for anyone in the league, apart from possibly Rudy Gobert, and a player that relishes the moment. He interacts with the fans and wants to have all the attention on himself when it matters most. The stage doesn't get brighter than the playoffs, and while it is only the first round, expect Embiid to bounce back in a big way against Toronto, leading Philadelphia to a 2-0 advantage.
The Sixers will blow out the Raptors in Game 2 and continue blowing them out in Toronto
Unfortunately for the Raptors, they are completely overmatched in this series. Without a viable individual matchup for Embiid, they're forced to send extra defenders his way, making life easier on the likes of Harden, Maxey and Harris.
Given that the Sixers won Game 1 by 20 points, despite both Embiid and Harden shooting around or under 35% from the field and Danny Green missing five three-pointers, what could happen if the Sixers stars dial it up and Green makes at least one or two of those tries?
What's likely to transpire is another blowout victory for Philadelphia in Game 2. Don't forget about Toronto's injury woes, either. Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr. and Thaddeus Young are all likely to miss Monday's game, putting the Raptors at an even bigger talent disadvantage. If the Raptors don't get healthy fast, the Sixers could make quick work a first-round opponent that many picked to beat them.
