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How the Toronto Raptors match up against the top of the East

By Hunter Surphlis

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 8: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense against Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors on December 8, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 8: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense against Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors on December 8, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Marc Gasol (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors – Marc Gasol (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers

For a team that owns a 21-10 record, there’s been a lot of negativity surrounding the 76ers. Ben Simmons can’t shoot, Joel Embiid isn’t having fun, they’ve been underwhelming. It seems like they can’t do anything right.

Their defense has been solid, but their offense hasn’t been anything special. That’s not surprising.

The 6ers have had the fifth easiest schedule according to Power Rankings Guru.

Their record looks good, but they have had some tight games with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Portland Trailblazers. On top of those games, they’ve lost to both the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic.

The biggest thing that stands out with the 6ers is inconsistency.

Better Player

In terms of raw talent, Joel Embiid is the best player in this matchup. However, for whatever reason, he turns into a JV player going up against a McDonald’s All-American when facing off with Marc Gasol.

Consistency is an issue for both Siakam and Embiid, but at least you know that Spicy P is giving it his all every time he’s on the floor. The same can’t be said for Embiid.

Siakam also fits on his team better. It’s quite obvious Embiid isn’t being used the most effective when he’s standing at the top of the three-point line on a majority of the team’s possessions.

Siakam gets the nod here because it simply seems like he cares more.

Better Supporting Cast

The top of the 6ers roster is far better than the Raptors, and frankly, has a case to be the most talented starting five in the league. It’s everyone after that where the concern comes in.

The Raptors bench has an advantage over what the 6ers have. But, two through five is too overwhelming in the Sixers favour that this one has to go to them.

Better Coach

This one’s easy. Nick Nurse out-coached Brett Brown in the second round last season and has continued that trend this year.

Nurse gets his players to play hard day in and day out while Brown has his most talented player getting called out by the TNT crew for not doing his job.

Nurse by a landslide.

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