The Toronto Raptors are just a win away from getting eliminated. They are also a win away from tying the series against the Philadelphia 76ers at 3-3. How will Game 6 unfold? Check our preview below of this Sixers vs. Raptors 2022 NBA Playoffs matchup.
Uh oh. The Sixers are still ahead in the series, but whether they admit it or not, there’s definitely a bigger pressure on them now that the Raptors are making some headway. But it must be at least a bit comforting for the Sixers to know that whatever happens in Game 6, a potential Game 7 will be played back in Philly. In Game 6, Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 20 points in Game 5, but his hand injury appeared to slow him down, as he shot just 7/15 from the field and only had six free-throw attempts. Still, a less than 100% Embiid is a potent threat. James Harden should also take that as a sign that it’s time for him to fully take over. Harden is only averaging 18.4 points on just 37.3 percent shooting in the series. It’s time for the Sixers to flex their muscles again just as they did in the first three games of the first round.
The Sixers are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall.
Here comes the Raptors. Toronto is not about the impossible. This is a team that looks as though it truly believes it can overcome a 3-0 series deficit, with Pascal Siakam leading the way. Siakam scored 23 points with 10 rebounds and 7 assists in 44 minutes, while Precious Achiuwa came off the bench and fired 17 points. The Raptors have put a target on the back of Embiid, as they look to attack the hurting big man, as evidenced by Achiuwa’s production in Game 5. With Fred VanVleet still questionable to play for Game 6 because of a hip issue, Siakam together with OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. will carry the bulk of the load for the Raptors, who are averaging 104.4 points per game so far in the playoffs. Toronto’s defense is also giving the Sixers fits, with Philly shooting just 40.4 percent from the field in the last two games of the series.
The Raptors are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as a home underdog.
