The series between Philly and Toronto has certainly been competitive, but tonight it will finally come to an end. The Raptors certainly look to have the edge right now, having won 2 of the last 3 games and playing Game 7 at home. Kawhi Leonard has been phenomenal, but Joel Embiid simply hasn’t been able to match his firepower, regardless of the reasoning. Both teams have key players facing impending free agency. Tonight’s game surely will have an effect on those upcoming decisions, so there’s a lot riding on this Game 7.
[3] Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) @ [2] Toronto Raptors (3-3)
If you heard the 76ers won Game 6, you might think that Joel Embiid finally had a good game. He was mediocre once again, but the ever-reliable Jimmy Butler was there to keep Philly afloat. Siakam and Kawhi both played pretty well, but their efforts weren’t enough to make up for a thorough pounding on the glass. Philadelphia had 52 rebounds, including 16 offensive, to just 34 from Toronto. If you want to know why the Raptors lost Game 6, there is no bigger reason.
Philadelphia
Jimmy Butler continued to be the best player for the Sixers’, as he finished with another strong 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists to lead Philly to a win. He also had solid support from Ben Simmons, who tallied a respectable 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists of his own. This team should absolutely be capable of winning games, even against an upper level team like Toronto, without Joel Embiid dominating, and that’s just what happened in Game 6.
- The 76ers were great at sharing the ball, but not at holding onto it. They shot 41-89 (46.1%) from the field and 10-28 (35.7%) from downtown, but 27 of those baskets were assisted. On the other hand, they had 18 turnovers as a team.
- Will Embiid be a factor in Game 7? He’s averaging just 17 points and 8.3 rebounds on 37% shooting in the series against Toronto, and has scored above 17 points only once.
- Against the Raptors, Philly has covered the point spread in 3 of 6 games.
Toronto
If they aren’t named Pascal Siakam or Kawhi Leonard, they aren’t giving Toronto any meaningful production. Both players shined once again, as Siakam had 21 points and 6 rebounds while Leonard finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Unfortunately for Toronto, their two main bigs, Gasol and Ibaka, combined for just 6 rebounds in 58 minutes, leaving the door wide open for second chance points for the Sixers’.
- Despite weak shooting, the Raptors were excellent at moving the ball. They shot just 35-81 (43.2%) from the field and 9-36 (25.0%) from downtown, but 25 of those field goals came off an assist. They also had 6 fewer turnovers than the 76ers at just 12.
- Can Kyle Lowry make a difference in Game 7? In the 2019 Playoffs, he’s averaging just 12.6 points and 7.2 assists per game while shooting only 29.8% from deep.
- Toronto’s bench was thoroughly outrebounded in Game 6. They had just 5 rebounds, compared to 16 from the 76ers.
Pick: Toronto Raptors -6.0
This Game 7 is likely to be a triumphant, defining nail-biter win for the 76ers or a complete stomp for the Raptors. Both outcomes are possible, but it is far more likely that Toronto makes everything click at home. Without Joel Embiid being the best player on the court, the 76ers simply look a little lost. If Jimmy Butler hadn’t stepped up with consistently big performances, this series would’ve been over a while ago. Kawhi and Pascal are one of the best two-way, one-two punch combos in the league, and the 76ers have no way of slowing them down. It would be amazing to see Philadelphia win, but Toronto is a much safer choice. For that reason, your best bet is on Toronto winning tonight and taking the series!
