Like Nicky Nurse said, it’s not 3-0 anymore. 3-1 has been done.

This is a potential chaos game for the Philadelphia 76ers. Win, and there are rest days ahead for most likely a second round matchup against Miami.

Lose?

Oh boy. Talk about national pressure and a return to what would be a wild Toronto scene, trying to force a Game seven.

The previous Doc Rivers failures would start to circulate, with blown 3-1 leads with Orlando (2003) and the Clippers twice (2015, 2020). James Harden scrutiny (37.9 percent FG this series) that ceased after Philly’s blow out wins in the first two games will ramp back up.

The Raptors are coming off their first elimination win when trailing 3-0 in a series. Why not make it two and set NBA media ablaze? Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes will both be limping into this game, but it’s win or go home once again.

Three Keys

1. Composure

So far, the home team has enjoyed the more favourable whistle. Nurse voiced his annoyance with that in the first two games and Joel Embiid responded with his sarcastic applause at the refs on Saturday. Rivers also did his best to complain without officially complaining.

“I’m not going to sit here and complain. I’m not going to, like they do.” 👀

– Doc Rivers

(h/t @JClarkNBCS ) pic.twitter.com/C0aKBDr1JO

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 23, 2022

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Philly begin this game with numerous trips to the line. That’s where the Raptors are going to have to stay level headed, which is hard to do under those circumstances. Toronto cannot afford to go down double digits in the first half like Games one and two with no tomorrow guaranteed.

2. 3-point shooting

The Raptors won Game four despite shooting 8-34 from three, thanks to eight more shot attempts combined with winning the offensive rebounding (+7) and turnover (+4) battles. That won’t be good enough to get by on the road. OG Anunoby had his first off shooting game of the series on Saturday (1-7 from three). Without Fred’s unknown status and Scottie Barnes hobbled, OG has to make those looks which will probably be from Pascal Siakam.

3. All-NBA Pascal

Speaking of which, Spicy P had a playoff career-high 34 points and was relentless getting to the paint in the fourth. He would’ve had more than five assists if threes were falling. More of the same will be needed to send the series back to Scotiabank Arena. Pascal needs to lead the way and not slip into passive habits like earlier in the series.

Game Info

Tip-Off: 8pm EDT | TV: Sportsnet, NBA TV | Radio: TSN Radio 1050

Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries

Philadelphia 76ers Results, Lineups & Injuries