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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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Apr 3, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) shoots for three points against the Miami Heat during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) shoots for three points against the Miami Heat during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Fred VanVleet

Perhaps one benefit to being ignored by the national media is the lack of reporting on Fred VanVleet’s wavering production. Playing heavy minutes at his height has left VanVleet with a nagging knee injury he’s been playing through to end the season.

While his statistical dip hasn’t impacted the Raptors’ winning ways, the team will need him at full strength to topple the 76ers.

It isn’t just about his scoring. His ability to play passing lanes to get easy buckets in transition, push the pace to tire Philly out, and calm down the team as the team’s primary ball-handler will be imperative to success in this series.

Nick Nurse’s “long ball” lineups have worked well over the course of the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal. Playing a team five or six times in a row allows for both combatants to figure out the other’s moves and countermoves.

The unique construction of the Toronto roster may have been able to unbalance opponents in one-off matchups, but against a gifted offensive team consumed by figuring the Raptors out? It calls for something more.

Fred VanVleet will be counted on to dominate for the Toronto Raptors.

This is where Freddy All-Star comes diving off the top rope.  His steady hand and long-range shot creation will warp the 76ers into rotating and scrambling around in the half-court.  His size disadvantage can be used to get Embiid in foul trouble around the rim.

VanVleet has had a stellar 2021-22 NBA season, but like so many on this Raptors roster, this year he’s experiencing a new level of responsibility on the floor.  The Raptors will need their point guard at full strength, both in a practical sense and with the spiritual confidence that comes with having their team leader play his best.

Next. 3 reasons Nick Nurse to Lakers makes no sense. dark