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The Philadelphia 76ers are up 3-0 in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they've gone undefeated in the postseason against the fifth seed Toronto Raptors.
Overall, the team has played remarkably well, with all members of the starting five pulling their weight on offense and defense. Joel Embiid is the main character in Philadelphia's saga, and he proved that with his buzzer-beater three in overtime to win Game 3 Wednesday night.
After three games every other day, the Sixers-Raptors now have two days off before facing off in Game 4. Will the Raptors come up with a do-or-die win, or will the Sixers close up shop with a sweep? Here are our three boldest predictions for the Saturday afternoon matchup.
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Sixers Game 4 Predictions
3. Tyrese Maxey goes off again
In Game 1, Tyrese Maxey absolutely went off. The second-year guard put up 38 points and led Philadelphia on offense to start the series off with a win. While he's been productive in the last two games of the series, Maxey hasn't come close to that near-40 piece he put up last Saturday.
Expect that to change in Game 4. Ahead of Game 3 Wednesday night, Maxey recalled the infamous Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beater to knock the Sixers out of the playoffs in 2019. At the time, Maxey was only 18 years old and a senior in high school. However, he understood the weight of the loss for Embiid, and how important winning is to the star center.
That being said, expect Maxey to have another groundbreaking game on Saturday with at least 25 points and four three-pointers. The 21-year-old plays with his heart and for his teammates, making him the perfect one to help Embiid complete the revenge sweep.
2. Much more offense on both sides compared to Game 3
Game 3 was pretty messy for both the Sixers and the Raptors. The Sixers had 22 total turnovers and trailed the Raptors basically the entire game. Meanwhile, Toronto had much fewer turnovers with ten total, but they were only shooting 44% from the field.
Before the extra five minutes of overtime, both teams only scored 95 points, well below the 216.5 money line. However, if you're planning on betting on anything for Game 4, bet the over. Both teams are gunning for this win for their respective reasons, one in desperation and one for the sweep. That being said, offense is going to be huge Saturday, with each team scoring at least 110 points.
Click here for the odds for Sixers-Raptors Game 4, courtesy of FanDuel.
1. Get out the brooms because the Sixers are sweeping it
It should be a hard-fought, high-scoring game that comes down to the wire. However, at the final buzzer, expect the Sixers to come out on top. Overall, the Sixers have the better team, especially with Scottie Barnes out.
The Raptors have been able to hold their own, leaving lesser gaps between them and Philadelphia since their blowout loss in Game 1. However, the star power of MVP candidate Joel Embiid, veteran James Harden, and the rest of the Sixers' starting five is the overwhelming favorite.
Finally, our boldest prediction yet: Sixers take the win 117-113.
