Do the ‘Raps’ even up in the series?
The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers face off in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs. The home side were already down 3-0 and an embarrassing sweep was looming.
But thanks to wins in the past two match-ups, Head Coach Nick Nurse’s troops can now even the score.
Toronto Raptors – Statistics & current form
The Canadians lost twice at Philadelphia at the beginning of the series, but in the last game they were able to triumph in the lion’s den for the first time.
Pascal Siakam was particularly strong in this one. “Spicy P” delivered a double-double with 23 points and ten rebounds, all on the defensive end. The 2019 champions also have their powerful newbie Scottie Barnes back on board since the penultimate game.
The power forward was named Rookie of the Year a few days ago and has been particularly efficient under the boards in the postseason.
Barnes has averaged no less than 9.7 rebounds in his three appearances in the NBA Playoffs, pushing his value from the regular season up by more than two additional boards.
After a subterranean field goal rate of 16.7 percent in the penultimate game, his recent 50 percent rate has also improved considerably.
Guard Fred VanVleet, however, will still not be able to play. This year’s All-Star had to miss the last game due to an injury and will also not play in the upcoming duel.
Philadelphia 76ers – Statistics & current form
The nerves are pretty much on the edge for the Sixers by now. Although no team has ever squandered a 3-0 lead in the postseason, the visitors currently look battered. The biggest problem is undoubtedly the health of Joel Embiid.
The Cameroonian centre is struggling with a thumb injury and it seems to be affecting him. The possible new MVP has not been able to match his strong performances from the regular season.
Furthermore, James Harden has been a pale shadow in the team of head coach Doc Rivers.
The Beard” has deteriorated in the areas of scoring, assists and rebounds, compared to his regular-season results.
Toronto Raptors – Philadelphia 76ers Tip
In the clash between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers on 29/04/2022, betting on more than 7.5 rebounds by Scottie Barnes on the home side is a good bet.
The “ROTY” 2022 has always delivered at least eight boards in the three previous games against the Sixers. After his injury break in the second and third comparisons, he now also looks physically fit again.
In contrast, Joel Embiid is obviously a bit limited on the opposite end due to a thumb injury, which will give Barnes a slightly easier game under the boards.
