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After a slow start to their season, the Toronto Raptors were able to things around during the second half of their campaign and re-enter the playoff mix. Their first-round match-up against the Philadelphia 76ers won't be a cakewalk by any means, but as a championship organization, the Raptors certainly know what's needed to succeed in the postseason.
Their lethal combination of youth, athleticism, and depth will be key advantages for them throughout this series. Led by 2020 NBA COTY Nick Nurse, the Raptors have more than a puncher's chance to knock off the Sixers. This would be huge for them as they aim to make another deep run during the 2022 NBA playoffs. Let's now take a look at three reasons the Raptors will pull off a major upset and beat the Sixers in the first round.
The Raptors' aggressive team defense will overwhelm Joel Embiid and James Harden
With the Raptors having one of the better defensive units in the league, this will definitely make things difficult for Joel Embiid and James Harden. Given that Embiid is the 2022 NBA scoring champion, locking him down will be no small order for the Raptors D. Add to that the ball handling, playmaking, and scoring abilities of Harden, and the Raps will have their hands full.
However, the Raptors possess several elite defenders in Pascal Siakam, Thaddeus Young, OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, and Precious Achiuwa amongst others. Their smothering team defense has proven to give Embiid and Harden trouble in their previous games during the regular season. So it shouldn't come as any surprise to see them further exploit this during their playoff match-up.
Time and again, the Raptors have prevailed and created endless scoring opportunities with their lockdown defense, and against the Sixers, they'll be bringing the heat all series long. There's no denying that Philly can only go as far as Embiid and Harden will take them. So if Toronto manages to shut down their two best players, then this series is theirs for the taking.
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Toronto's vaccination mandate will leave Philly shorthanded
Philadelphia's biggest area of weakness has been its depth. Now that they'll be forced to play half the series without their best perimeter defender, things be tougher for the Sixers. Matisse Thybulle's value to this team is unmatched and his absence will be a major blow to their game plan.
As one of the best two-way role players in the league, Thybulle has made a name for himself as a defensive ace and well-rounded scorer. Without him, the Sixers will struggle greatly as they'll be without their most reliable perimeter defender and a knockdown 3-point shooter. Asking the Sixers to pull out two road wins without him will be a tall task and give the Raptors an even bigger edge.
The Raptors have a more balanced attack than the Sixers
The Toronto Raptors have assembled a deep and balanced attack that thrives on selfless team play. Whereas the Sixers heavily rely on their star players to produce. Between Siakam's continued rise to stardom, Fred VanVleet lighting up the stat sheet, and a promising rookie phenom in Scottie Barnes, the Raptors are a dynamic and dangerous crew. Led by a coaching mastermind in Nick Nurse, the Raptors' versatile roster will have a strategic advantage that will put Philly on the brink and give them the upper hand.
