3 very bold predictions for Raptors-76ers first-round playoff series
By Mike Luciano
2. Philadelphia only has one game with more than 100 points
The 76ers have an automatic 45 points on the board between Embiid and Harden, but the rest of the roster might not provide those two with adequate support. Despite some big brand names. the 76ers only scored 51 points in the final three quarters during a tough home loss earlier in March.
The Raptors have the benefit of a very unique defensive scheme that has often befuddled Embiid. With so many 6-8 forwards to throw at Embiid and Philadelphia’s collection of supporting talent, Toronto has a history of success against this motley crew of secondary stars for Philadelphia.
The 76ers could struggle offensively against the Toronto Raptors.
Tobias Harris has been uncharacteristically poor from the field against Toronto, and asking second-year guard Tyrese Maxey to accept an unusually large scoring load could spell disaster. Bench players like Shake Milton and DeAndre Jordan might not be up to the task of making up that production.
There are going to be one or two games where Embiid goes nuts. When that happens, you just tip your cap and acknowledge the greatness. As for the rest of this roster, getting separation against this Raptors team for what could be a seven-game slugfest might be a bit harder.