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These 3 Toronto Raptors are the keys to defeating the 76ers

By Avishai Sol

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates as three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on April 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates as three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on April 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 7: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 7: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

2. Precious Achiuwa

Achiuwa’s progression has been one of the most underrated subplots of this NBA season. Turning a raw game focused on erratic energy and athleticism into an inside-outside offensive spectacle is nothing to sneeze at.

Achiuwa won’t be a leading scorer for this Raptors team, but his ability to be a threat on the offensive end will play a major role in outmaneuvering the Philadelphia defense. If he can continue to hit spot-up three-pointers with regularity, the Sixers will have no choice but to play up on him.

This will open up the floor for drive-and-kick opportunities, and more importantly, take the shot-blocking Embiid out of the paint.

Precious Achiuwa will play a big role for the Toronto Raptors.

Guarding the giant Embiid will be a team effort. Nobody on the Raptors roster has the strength or size to practically contain him one-on-one. Instead, it’ll be the swarming collective of the Raptors’ defense that will cripple the Process’ scoring.

This “double and recover” strategy will hinge on the Raptors’ defensive communication and their ability to disrupt the 76ers team offense. This is where Achiuwa can be used to devastating effect by flying around the court, using his strength to hang with Embiid, and then showing his speed to switch onto Harden.

In addition, Achiuwa can make an impact when Embiid is not on the floor. Be in bigger lineups against what’s left of DeAndre Jordan or smaller configurations with Paul Reed, Achiuwa will need to make sure they win the non-Embiid minutes.

Precious has been to the playoffs, but he’s never had real post-season responsibilities and expectations before. This matchup with one of the decade’s best bigs will truly be a trial by fire, but also a shining opportunity for Precious to announce himself on the world stage.