The Sixers were picked apart from deep in their last game, while Embiid’s efficiency was dreadful. Still, the Sixers have a distinct personnel advantage so long as their shooters can at least be average from three.
Pick:
Philadelphia 76ers to Win ()
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How to Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors
| Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors Information |
| What |
Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors |
| Where |
Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida |
| When |
7:30 PM EST, February 23rd, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
Sportsnet, NBC Sports Philadelphia |
Head-to-Head: Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors
| Philadelphia 76ers |
Head-to-Head |
Toronto Raptors |
| Doc Rivers |
Head Coach |
Nick Nurse |
| 20-11 (1st in East) |
Standing |
16-15 (5th in East) |
| L-W-W-L |
Form |
W-W-W-W |
| 112.6 (13th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
113.3 (11th of 30) |
| 109.9 (6th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
110.5 (12th of 30) |
| 101.0 (6th of 30) |
Pace |
99.8 (12th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| J. Embiid (30.3) |
PPG |
P. Siakam (20.5) |
| J. Embiid (11.3) |
RPG |
P. Siakam (7.7) |
| B. Simmons (7.9) |
APG |
F. Vanvleet (6.6) |
| B. Simmons (1.7) |
SPG |
O. Anunoby (1.8) |
| J. Embiid (1.4) |
BPG |
C. Boucher (2.0) |
| B. Simmons (.572)/J. Embiid (9.6) |
FG%/FGM |
D. Bembry, P. Watson (.600)/P. Siakam (7.6) |
| S. Curry (.454)/D. Green (2.3) |
3P%/3PM |
P. Watson (.667)/F. Vanvleet (3.3) |
“Next Man Up” Defines the Raptors
Were the average fan to look at the Toronto Raptors on paper, they’d be justified in seeing them as just an average team. However, due to their depth and development, the Raptors have gone 14-7 since their 2-8 start.
Toronto’s depth is crucial to their success against the Sixers. In their last win, the Raptors bench produced 35 points. All three players that saw 20-plus minutes off the bench had a positive net rating.
Norman Powell and OG Anunoby will need to be more productive offensively against a re-focused Sixers defense. The pressure on them will be lightened though, considering Toronto’s productivity across the board.
Editor’s Picks
Threes on Both Ends
The Philadelphia 76ers retooled this offseason in hopes of playing a more modern form of basketball. The biggest issue in their losses has been their unwillingness to shoot or even defend the three.
In their last game, a loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers shot 29.7% from three while allowing their opponents to shoot 41.2% from three. While Philly hit 11 three-pointers of their own, their inefficiency foreshadowed their loss.
It is unlikely that a shooter of Tobias Harris’ caliber will go one of nine from three again, but it is more about the Sixers creating better opportunities. Just as importantly, Philly must be aware that the Raptors have capable shooters from every position, so they can’t relax on defense.
Raptors Key Player: (F-C) Chris Boucher
The Toronto Raptors are likely the league’s model in terms of player development. Out of that program has emerged Chris Boucher, the 6’10 Quebec-raised center who has grown as a favorite for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Boucher was excellent in his last match against the Sixers. Due to their unwillingness to guard him on the perimeter, he posted 17 points and three blocks on six of eight shooting from the field.
Boucher will be relied upon again to defeat the Sixers in their second meeting in three days. Considering Toronto’s small lineup, he’ll be needed to battle on the glass as well as contribute on offence.
Sixers Key Player: (C) Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is having an MVP-worthy season so far, but his last performance was difficult to watch – regardless of the final numbers.
Embiid posted 25 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks in the Sixers’ recent loss to the Toronto Raptors. Despite the impressive numbers, he was six of 20 from the field, only getting by on his 12 of 14 night from the free-throw line.
The Sixers thrived when Embiid was decisive in exploiting his matchups. He’ll need to do so in his next meeting with the Raptors to take a victory.
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