After a long break, it’s finally game day. This is going to be a condensed preview, because it’s exam time for us and, well, it’s the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Toronto Raptors have 5 games to go, including tonight. Sitting at 45 wins and 32 losses is simply shocking, however they have a chance to surpass their franchise total for wins of 47 by taking 3 out of the next five. It should happen, as it’s Philly, the New York Knicks (twice), the Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons. The Raps also must win 3 to secure the Atlantic crown, and to ensure holding off the Chicago Bulls for third will probably need to win 4.
Tonight should be an easy game, as the Raps have been rock solid on their home court, and the Sixers lost 26 in a row earlier this year. Kyle Lowry will play, and Amir Johnson will likely get a few minutes as well. There is no point in playing them significant minutes, however getting them back into it would be a good idea. Further, Jonas Valanciunas will continue to play until his court situation is settled from the DUI charges, meaning he likely won’t be suspended until next season, if at all.
I’m not even going to bother with keys to the game, or x-factors because this really should be an easy win. Here are some notes:
– Don’t take this team for granted like the Bucks game. The Raps were playing down the stretch with the league’s worst. Pathetic.
– Watch the transition game. This team loves to run.
– Thaddeus Young and Michael-Carter Williams are basically their only NBA caliber players; watch out for them heating up.
– It’s actually hilarious how bad the Sixers roster is. I consider myself relatively knowledgeable when it comes to NBA players, and have never heard of half their roster. I guess that’s how you tank.
– Nobody should be able to stop DeMar DeRozan, Lowry, or JV so feed them the rock.
