Raptors writers roundtable: Playoff predictions for Raptors-76ers

Q4: Who is winning this series?

ML: Raptors in 7, with some caveats. The Raptors won games in the regular season getting 10 or 12 points from the bench while letting Siakam and VanVleet do their thing. If Scottie Barnes plays well and the bench provides enough two-way support to counteract Embiid, Toronto could grind out the victory.

TH: I’m gonna say 4-2 Raptors. Many Philly fans would argue, but I think Toronto has the ability to split the Thybulle games. I think they take both non-Thybulle games. As long as the Raptors take Harden seriously and limit him as best they can as a scorer, it’s a 4-2 Raps series for me.

Will the Toronto Raptors beat the Philadelphia 76ers?

SS: I think it’s going to be a grueling, competitive series (sorry Shaq). If they can stay out of foul trouble, the Raptors have one of the best defenses in the league. Toronto is a problem that nobody wants a part of right now. All said and done, I’m gunning for the Raptors to take this in a close series 4-3.

ME: Raptors in 6. I don’t think the 76ers are going to be able to run with the Raptors. Their bench depth is inadequate, whereas Toronto has some great players to come and provide big minutes. Most of all, I feel outside of Embiid, the entire Sixers squad will struggle with the defense and won’t be able to score at their usual rate.