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The Toronto Raptors picked up a massive win on their home court to avoid the sweep against the Philadelphia 76ers. They will need to continue this type of effort if they hope to extend the series even further. The Raptors will travel to Philly for Game 5 and need to build off the impressive defensive performance in Toronto. The Sixers outclassed the Raptors through most of the first three games, so Toronto must find a way to continue to be disruptive if they hope to keep their season alive.
3 bold Raptors predictions vs Sixers in Game 5
Joel Embiid will turn the ball over 5+ times
The Raptors have effectively defended Joel Embiid better than any other team throughout his career. Their roster of lengthy athletes and creative double or triple teams have caused a large number of issues for the superstar over the years. Learning how to read defenses and passing out of double teams has been one of the largest areas of growth for Embiid. While he has come a long way in this area, it is still far from a strength for the big man.
Another large factor is the injury to Joel Embiid's thumb. The MVP candidate has sustained a torn ligament in his shooting hand that will require surgery to fix. With so much at stake this postseason, Embiid is determined to play through the injury but it is unclear how much it will bother him. The Cameroon native was seen grabbing at the thumb throughout Game 4 against the Raptors and admitted postgame that it impacted his dribbling and passing during the game.
Given Embiid's impressive scoring ability and that the thumb is not directly involved in the shooting motion, the Raptors must be sure to defend him as if he is healthy. Forcing Embiid to make passes out of doubles is the team's best recipe for success. Given the grip issues he has with the thumb, this is an excellent opportunity for the Raptors to create turnovers.
OG Anunoby scores 20+ points
The Raptors have a deep roster where multiple guys are able to step up and become the primary scoring threat. With Fred VanVleet officially ruled out for the game with a hip injury, this will be put to the test. Pascal Siakam is certain to continue with his production following the 34-point performance in the previous matchup. However, look for OG Anunoby to assert himself more than he has all series as well.
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The Raptors wing has made some impressive developments to his game this season. Averaging a career-high 17.1 points per game this season, Anunoby has established himself as a productive two-way wing. The Sixers greatly struggle against players of OG's size and athleticism so look for him to flip into attack mode. Anunoby scored 20+ points in the first three games before tallying just 11 in Game 4. He will respond in a big way in Game 5.
There will be at least one flagrant foul and two technical fouls
Tensions have certainly been close to boiling over in this series. In Game 2, Embiid and Anunoby each picked up technical fouls just 88 seconds into the game. The Raptors had two players foul out in Game 1 and the physicality should be expected to continue as long as the series stays alive. Given the thumb injury to Embiid, it also seems likely he will put a larger effort into establishing post position and making his finishing opportunities easier for himself.
There has been a great deal of talk surrounding the referees from both sides. Nick Nurse has been critical of Embiid's physicality since the opening game and Joel Embiid left the court showering the referees with a golf clap after Game 4. It has been a physical matchup all series and tensions are certainly high. Expect there to be some hard fouls and the potential for a skirmish for just about the entirety of Game 5.
Joel giving the refs the golf clap 👀 pic.twitter.com/gs8O1pETdM
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 23, 2022
The Raptors are seeking to do the unthinkable and win four straight games to advance to the next round. There has never been an NBA team to do this and this Sixers team will not roll over without a fight. Toronto must take things one game at a time and it starts with Game 5. The game is set to tip-off in Philadelphia and the home fans will undoubtedly bring a playoff atmosphere. Expect the Raptors to continue their physicality and look to scrap for another win. It is certain to be an intense matchup and one the Sixers will look to make the Raptors' final game.
