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The Toronto Raptors had a great deal of momentum following the regular season. Their length and athleticism made them a popular upset pick over the Sixers heading into the first round. Despite this, the Sixers have outclassed them on both sides of the ball and jumped out to a dominant 2-0 series lead. Both teams will head to Canada where Toronto will have to make some major adjustments in their play. The injury to Scottie Barnes has hurt the team a great deal. He sprained his ankle in Game 1. Barnes is listed as doubtful for the next matchup. It appears unlikely he suits up as he has been seen in a walking boot. Regardless, the Raptors will need to make some key adjustments if they hope to have any chance in the series.
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3 Predictions for Toronto Raptors vs Sixers in Game 3
2+ Raptors Will Foul Out
The Toronto Raptors have not been shy about their physicality when matching up with Joel Embiid. With no true big man on their roster, the Raptors have adapted the tactic of swarming Embiid each time he touches the ball. This method held the MVP candidate to just 19 points in Game 1. However, it seemed to fire him up in the next matchup. In Game 2, Embiid got to the free-throw line a game-high 14 times in which he converted on 12 of the attempts.
Embiid free throw attempts, by Raptor committing the foul, through 2 games:
Achiuwa — 3
Birch — 6
Flynn — 2
Siakam — 7
Trent — 2
Boucher — 4
FVV — 1— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) April 19, 2022
Through two games the Raptors have tallied 50 total team fouls. Fred VanVeet and Chris Boucher each fouled out in Game 1. Embiid took a beating in Game 2 with a variety of playoff fouls being delivered to him. The Sixers’ big man eased up on attacking the basket with Philadelphia holding a comfortable lead. If the game remains close in Game 3, do not expect Embiid to let up this time. Nick Nurse will continue to complain, but expect Embiid to attack and put a number of Raptors in foul trouble early on.
Chris Boucher will knock down 3 three-pointers
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As talented as Joel Embiid is as a paint defender, he sometimes looks uncomfortable when forced to guard the perimeter. The Raptors must take advantage of this and attempt to draw him away from the basket if they hope to have success. The guy who will play the biggest role in this is Chris Boucher.
There are certain players who seem to show up when facing specific teams. This is the case with Chris Boucher and the Sixers. The Oregon product has faced off with Philadelphia 13 times in his career and surpassed his scoring average in seven of these games. Boucher also has shot 50% or better from beyond the arc in seven of these 13 games including hitting four or more three-pointers in three matchups. The Raptors should look to create more looks for Boucher on the perimeter. If Boucher is able to provide effective floor spacing and draw Embiid away from the basket it could help the Raptors offense get on the right track.
Raptors will score 15+ fast break points
One of the surprising developments in this series has been how much Philadelphia has thrown Toronto off of their game. The Raptors have been known for their transition offense and work on the offensive glass. Each of these were seemingly weak points for the Sixers, but this has not been the case through two games. If Toronto is to find a way to win, they must get back to their identity.
In the regular season the Raptors were 3rd in the NBA in fastbreak points with 15.8 per game. They also were second in the league in offensive rebounding and second in forced turnovers. Philadelphia has had an answer for all of these categories and have prevented the Raptors' success early on in this series.
Creating looks in the fast-break would translate to the most immediate success. The Raptors tallied just 10 transition points in each of the first two games. This is especially surprising considering the Sixers ranked 28th in transition defense during the regular season. Look for the Raptors to make a conscious effort to push the pace and seek some easy buckets in Game 3.
Toronto is in a difficult spot in the series but do not count out this tenacious squad. Nick Nurse must make some major adjustments in the upcoming matchups to give the team a chance to battle back. Getting back to Toronto’s identity as a team by attacking the glass and pushing in transition is likely their only chance to climb out of the deficit.
