Is this a preview of what could be another epic playoff series?
The 76ers (49-30, 4th in East) and Raptors (46-33, 5th in East) meet again with Toronto holding a 2-1 season series edge. The last meeting featured one of the Raps best character wins of the season, grinding out a 93-88 victory in Philly without Fred VanVleet or OG Anunoby despite shooting only 37 percent from the field. MVP candidate Joel Embiid was held to 6-20 shooting in that game after putting up 36 points against the Raptors in December.
Embiid is coming off 45 points against the Pacers and apparently gained a new fan.
Even Joel Embiid's former teammates are campaigning for him 😂 🤝
Justin Anderson: "Give him the damn MVP!" pic.twitter.com/oRISg3ZkGx
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 6, 2022
Tyrese Maxey also had 30 points in that game with seven of his eight threes coming in the first half.
The Sixers can still rise as high as second seed but would probably need to win out and get help. Boston is a half game ahead and Milwaukee holds the tiebreaker for third. A loss tonight would move the Raptors two games ahead of the Bulls for fifth and almost set this matchup in stone.
Player to Watch
Didn’t expect it to be a player that can’t cross the border right now but here we are. Will Matisse Thybulle be able to play in Toronto if these teams meet in the playoffs? This breakdown covers everything.
Matisse Thybulle:
* Didn't need to be vaccinated to play in Tokyo Olympics
* Didn't need to be vaccinated to play in Brooklyn or Toronto earlier this seasonAnd
* Canada doesn't require a booster to enter.I detailed it all here. This post is unlocked. https://t.co/5Em75BUKNc
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) April 7, 2022
Danny Green is also finally returning to Toronto with fans in attendance so he can receive his 2019 championship and get the applause he deserves. He did a live recording of his podcast last night, seemingly chiming in on Thybulle’s situation.
“You guys have the vaccination advantage.”
Danny Green. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Fc7lKi6MVh
— Raptors Brasil 🦖 (@RaptorsBrazil) April 7, 2022
What’s weird is Raptor players need to be fully vaccinated to cross the border too. So what is the advantage really?
We discussed during live pod which will be published
— Harrison Sanford (@HarrisonSanford) April 7, 2022
Game Info
Tip-Off: 7:30pm EDT | TV: Sportsnet | Radio: TSN 1050
Philadelphia 76ers Results, Lineups & Injuries
Previous Results
Probable Lineup
Injuries
Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries
Previous Results
Probable Lineup
Betting Lines
| phi | tor | |
|---|---|---|
| EVEN | Spread | EVEN |
| -110 | Money Line | -110 |
Over/Under 220 | ||
My over/under prediction (17-13-1 this season): I agree with the lines calling this a toss up game. OG Anunoby’s status is unknown again and it should be time to start preserving Fred’s knee for the playoffs, especially with the Bulls giving some cushion by losing again last night against the Celtics. This is the first leg of a back to back so Fred will definitely not play in either tonight’s game or vs Houston tomorrow. If Nick Nurse and company really want to see Philly, they can make it happen. Two of the three earlier matchups have had a final score over 220 but I’m still taking the under because I sense another grind out game. The final score isn’t really a big deal.
