![]() ![]() That was the biggest differential for any team in the last 23 seasons, and that’s how they were able to win 48 games with a discrepancy in regard to the most important thing in basketball: Shooting. With those two advantages, the Raptors averaged 7.0 more shooting opportunities (field goal attempts or trips to the line) per game. The Raptors also had the league’s second biggest offensive-rebound differential, grabbing 3.0 per game more than their opponents. With that, they had the league’s best turnover differential by a healthy margin, committing 3.4 fewer per game than their opponents. The Sixers will have even less depth in the games in Toronto, with the not-fully-vaccinated Matisse Thybulle unable to enter Canada.ħ.0 - The Raptors were the only team that ranked in the top five in both turnover rate and opponent turnover rate, finishing third in the former (12.8 per 100 possessions) and first in the latter (16.2 per 100). Both teams have changed a lot since then, but Philly (having traded Andre Drummond in the Harden deal) still has the same issue, with no clear option at back-up center. ![]() And if that sounds familiar, it’s because the Sixers were outscored by 109 points in 99 minutes with Embiid off the floor in their 2019 conference semifinals series against the Raptors. But Philly was outscored 61-36 in Embiid’s 21 minutes on the bench. In each of their two post-All-Star losses to the Raptors, Joel Embiid recorded a positive plus-minus, with the Sixers outscoring Toronto by 15 points in his 75 total minutes. The Sixers’ bench could determine the series. But they also committed 17 turnovers in their most recent loss in Toronto.ģ. In their four regular season meetings, the Sixers recorded assists on 70% of their field goals, their highest rate vs. And whether or not the Raptors start someone bigger than Siakam at center, the Sixers’ offense will be less about individual matchups and more about how Philly deals with a Toronto defense that will swarm the ball whenever Harden or Embiid get near the paint and force the Sixers to move the ball. Barnes is the Raptor who defended Harden the most in the regular season and will likely get the assignment in Game 1. Matchups don’t mean as much with the Raptors. But they did have some success (outscoring the Sixers by 11 points) in about 28 minutes with Siakam or Chris Boucher as their biggest guy on the floor.Ģ. They were never fully healthy against the Sixers, with VanVleet and OG Anunoby each missing three of the four meetings, and Siakam and Scottie Barnes each missing one. And when the Raps have been fully healthy, they’ve started Siakam at the five. But none of those seven guys are taller than 6-foot-9 or within 45 pounds of the 7-foot, 280-pound Embiid. Seven of their nine rotation players are 6-foot-7 or taller, and Nick Nurse hasn’t been afraid to employ lineups that don’t include either of the two true guards (VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.). Will the Raptors play small? On average, the Raptors aren’t small. The Raptors play aggressively on both ends of the floor, and they have what it takes to make things difficult for the Sixers.ġ. Toronto has a terrific ensemble cast, led by the two guys - Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam - remaining from their championship rotation. That included a 7-2 mark against the top four teams in the East, including those two wins over the Sixers. 31 and earn the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Toronto Raptors have recovered from a rough season in Tampa and a 14-17 start to this season to go 34-17 since Dec. Toronto is feeling good about its chances winning the season series 3-1, but can it stop Kia MVP candidate Joel Embiid? That included 8-for-24 shooting in two losses to their first-round opponent. But Philly had bench issues and Harden had some rough performances as the Sixers went 7-6 with him in uniform against teams that reached the playoffs or the Play-In. With Harden and Embiid on the floor in the regular season, the Sixers outscored their opponents by 15.9 points per 100 possessions, the fifth best mark among 719 two-man combinations that played at least 500 minutes. Now, James Harden can help Embiid make the most of this season, while Embiid can help Harden make up for postseason shortcomings of the past. But the Sixers didn’t just find a taker for Simmons, they landed a former MVP in the deal. Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid will be the focal points in a series that could easily go the distance.Ī few months ago, when the Philadelphia 76ers were without a trade partner for the absent Ben Simmons, there was a worry that they were “wasting” a great year from MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |