The Philadelphia 76ers hold a commanding 2-0 series lead in their first-round matchup with the Toronto Raptors. After winning the first two games by a combined 35 points, the two teams will head to Canada for Game's 3 and 4. While the series has been off to an ideal start for the Sixers, it could be different across the border. In addition to not being able to play in front of their home fans, the Sixers will also be without Matisse Thybulle. Philly’s best perimeter defender is ineligible to play in Canada due to his incomplete vaccination status. Regardless, the team will look to build on their success in the first two games and take a commanding 3-0 lead in the opening round.

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3 Predictions for Sixers vs Raptors in Game 3

Joel Embiid will take 18+ Free-Throws:

There has been a great deal of talk about how often the Sixers get to the free-throw line. Philly ranked 3rd in the NBA in free-throws as a team with 24 attempts per game. This was led by Joel Embiid who was first among players in free-throw attempts with 11.83 per game. James Harden was not far behind him. He finished the season third in the league with 8.22 attempts per game.

Nick Nurse has been extremely vocal about his disagreement with the officiating on Joel Embiid. The Raptors do not have a player on their roster over 6’9”. So, the monstrous Joel Embiid is a nightmare matchup for the franchise. To combat this size disadvantage, the Raptors have swarmed Embiid with multiple defenders each time he touches the ball. This tactic held the MVP candidate to just 19 points in Game 1 which was a positive sign. In Game 2, Embiid appeared to match the physicality and earned 14 total free-throw attempts as a result.

The Raptors do not have many other options on how to guard the superstar. Embiid took his foot off the gas when the lead reached double-digits, but he can live at the line if he wants to. The undersized Raptors have no choice but to foul Embiid. Expect him to take full advantage of this if the game remains close in Game 3.

Tyrese Maxey will score 25+ again

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This postseason has showcased some of the brightest young players who appear on track for future stardom in the NBA. Tyrese Maxey is right near the top of this list. The former 21st overall pick led the Sixers in scoring in Game 1 with 38 points on five of eight shooting from beyond the three-point arc. He followed this effort with a 23 point, nine rebound, eight assist performance in Game 2.

It is clear that the 21-year-old is prepared to take the next step and perform on the biggest stage. The addition of James Harden has freed Maxey to fill his more natural role as a scorer. Harden and Maxey have formed a dynamic backcourt in Philadelphia and their styles of play complement each other well. Look for Maxey to stay in attack mode and make use of his eye-popping quickness that the Raptors have had no answer for thus far.

James Harden tallies 14+ assists

Tyrese Maxey's emergence has made the game much easier for Harden. The veteran is a masterful playmaker and this was an area of great need for the Sixers. Harden has had 20 assists in the first two games this postseason which leads the NBA. There also have been many passes he has strung through which the Sixers were unable to convert on.

The days of James Harden averaging 36+ points may be in the past, but this should not diminish his impact on the game. The Sixers offense has become much more dynamic since adding the 32-year-old. His high IQ and incredible passing deserve a ton of credit for this and it has been put on display in the postseason. Look for him to match his total from Game 1 and tally 14+ assists once again.

The Raptors were a popular upset pick for the opening round. Thus far, the Sixers have shown why they should be considered championship contenders. It certainly will be more difficult on the road but their confidence is sure to be high based on their recent play. The Sixers have showcased a legitimate Big Three with the emergence of Tyrese Maxey. This should be a scary sight to opposing teams. The Raptors certainly are not out of the series yet, but Nick Nurse is going to need to make some massive adjustments if he hopes for his team to have a chance.