As one of the lower seeds that were expected to record a huge upset, the Toronto Raptors have gone on an opposite trajectory as the first franchise in this year's playoffs to go down 0-3 to the Joel Embiid-led Philadelphia 76ers. Game 1 losses have been an unfortunate trend for Toronto, but the major factor was the injuries and illnesses sustained by three rotational pieces in Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., and Thaddeus Young.
Coach Nick Nurse shrunk his rotation at the earlier juncture of the regular season, which propelled the Raptors to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, that has caused some repercussions as the lack of height and depth has been exposed by 76ers and coach Doc Rivers. Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have been sensational in this series, but the looming question is if they can close it out and send the Raptors home in Game 4. Thus, here are three predictions for Toronto in this Saturday afternoon matchup.
Raptors-Sixers Game 4 Predictions
Pascal Siakam = 2nd best player in the floor
With no doubt that Embiid is the best player in this series, Pascal Siakam must somehow search for a way to elevate his impact and numbers to match the numbers of Embiid. He is arguably the leader of the Raptors with Fred VanVleet far from 100% ever since the All-Star break. As the commander of the squad, Siakam cannot be atrocious in a vital Game 3 for Toronto and be a no-show offensively in the second half.
Other folks like OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa were fantastic in Game 3, but if their best player is missing in action, there is subpar probability of them snatching an upset victory. In Game 4, Siakam must be imposing on both ends as his aggressiveness must be sustained for all 48 minutes. His versatility and ability to mix up his shots has been asset against any sort of defense, so Siakam must treat it like a Finals series and possibly even match Embiid bucket for bucket for the Raptors to have any sort of chance.
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Fred VanVleet outplays Tyrese Maxey
VanVleet has been struggling in this series as the defensive preparation of the 76ers on him has been impeccable. His lack of size has been an issue as Maxey and James Harden have been outplaying VanVleet by far in the first three games. As Raptors have their backs against the wall on Saturday, VanVleet is one who is not afraid to emerge from his subpar play and ascend to one of the best individuals on both ends of the court.
As he could also possibly be inserted to the second team all-defense spot, the defense has been lackadaisical over the past week. Maxey has exploded for two spectacular contests already through his timely off-ball movement and constant attacking through the cup even if VanVleet is in front of him. Entering Game 4, VanVleet will be able to limit his points to less than 20, along with his ability to continually maneuver through the defense of the 76ers.
Raptors convert more than 15 3's in Game 4
As one of the best interior defenders and rim protectors, Embiid has been intimidating in constantly stifling shots at the cup for Toronto. Thus, they must adjust and lessen the contested shots at the paint but rather the space the floor with their incredible long range shooting prowess. VanVleet, Trent Jr., and Anunoby are fantastic shooters who are more than willing to step up to the plate and be the catalysts in Game 4.
Without Matisse Thybulle for Game 4 as well, the perimeter defense of Philadelphia will be compromised, so Nurse and the Raptors may try exploiting this weakness. Being down 0-3 is also desperation time for Toronto, so the plethora of shots from behind the arc could be a huge risk, but they must manufacture new approaches in trying to defeat a much-more talented and well prepared team in Philadelphia.
After his legendary game winner, Embiid trash talked Drake en route to sweeping the Raptors on Saturday afternoon. The odds and probability of that occurring continues to ramp up, but any NBA fan knows that the Raptors thrive through the adversity and doubts surrounding their organization. Philadelphia is the huge favorites to advance to the East Semifinals already as the Raptors have a daunting task ahead of them, but they will definitely not back down.
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