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The Toronto Raptors could not have asked for a better spot to be in during this series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The series shifts back to Philadelphia as the Raptors have a 3-2 series lead and a chance to advance to the conference finals.
In game five, the 76ers failed to show up as they lost by 36 points on Toronto’s home court. The 125-89 loss for the 76ers does not give them much confidence heading into the weekend as a 36-point loss in the playoffs does not do much for your confidence. Philadelphia is in survival mode now as a team built to win now is on the ropes.
Tonight, the Raptors are favoured by 2 points and the over / under is set at 213.5 points.
Raptors Look to Clinch
The Raptors won game five big even though Kawhi Leonard didn’t have a great game. Leonard has been huge for the Raptors in every other game so it might have been nice for him to let others get involved in a game like this. The Raptors have now won two games in a row to take the 3-2 and their defense has carried them.
Just once have they allowed the 76ers to score more than 96 points in a game during the series. While the Raptors have been knocked out of the playoffs three years in a row by LeBron James, they don’t have to deal with him since he plays for the Lakers now. This is a team that controls their own destiny and they are looking to seize their opportunity tonight.
76ers Must Win Two in a Row
With the 76ers built to win this year, things are looking rather bleak as they trail in the series 3-2. Philadelphia is in the second round for the second year in a row and are looking to avoid a repeat of last year. The Celtics took down the 76ers last year and now the Raptors are looking to repeat that favour.
In order for the 76ers to have a shot to win the series Joel Embiid needs to step up. He hasn’t been the healthiest lately, but he is the motor that makes the 76ers go. After acquiring Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris this year the 76ers were expecting NBA Finals or bust. This isn’t a young team anymore and the time to win is right now.
Raptors in Full Control
The Raptors have all of the momentum after taking down the 76ers in a blowout. The Raptors now head back to Toronto and are looking to clinch the series. With a win, the Raptors would have a little bit of time to reenergize and prepare for the conference finals.
The Raptors are slight favourites after their big win and because Kawhi Leonard didn’t play well, you have to feel pretty good about the Raptors chances. Look for the Raptors to cruise to a win over the stunned 76ers and head to the conference finals.
