The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers likely NBA Playoff opponents

By Bret Stuter

Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 21: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on October 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers (4-seed) versus Toronto Raptors (1-seed)

The Philadelphia 76ers now take on the higher seeded Toronto Raptors and do so with more games on the road. Plus the 76ers only won one of the four games against the Raptors in the regular season. No matter how you slice this one, the Sixers come in as a true underdog in every sense of the word.

The Raptors are one of those teams powered by a tremendously talented back court in SG DeMar Derozen and PG Kyrie Lowry. This season, they have matched a compatible front court to go with them. But it was that bench, and in particular 6-foot-5 point guard Delon Wright, who has done the most damage to the 76ers. He’s averaged 15 points per game off the bench, and has proven to be someone the 76ers have not taken into account.

Philly has a chance

But not all is lost. The hope is that the Philadelphia 76ers will benefit from the return of center Joel Embiid. And by this time, Markelle Fultz’s comfort with the line-up should be good. The Philadelphia 76ers did manage to win a game  against the Raptors. Joel Embiid’s 34 points, and T.J. McConnell‘s 18 point outburst power the Sixers to that win.

Now the team has Markelle Fultz, there is a higher offensive upside off the bench. And the Raptors bench will give up points.  Philadelphia will lose some games against Toronto by a huge margin. But in the best of seven, it’s all about winning four games. That is within the realm of possibilities. Toronto will appear to be the better team. But the scrappy 76ers can win four games against any NBA Team.  I don’t say the Philadelphia 76ers advance. I expect the train ends here. But if they advance, they next face the Cleveland Cavaliers.