Sixers playoffs: 2 issues team must resolve vs. Raptors

Sixers first round issues: Solutions

As far as the transition problems Philly has faced this year, it really comes down to what Embiid said after the Denver game a few weeks ago. They cannot be lazy. Hustle and effort are the sure cures for preventing Nick Nurse’s offense from scoring easy baskets on fast breaks. Offensive rebounding has not been a strength all year for the Sixers, and it won’t start come the postseason. So, they must haul their tails back on D and not fall prey to Toronto’s speed.

Should one of the Philly’s guards launch a 3, it is imperative that any Sixer on the perimeter get back on defense. They must be aware of the Raptors’ wing players at all costs because they can fly and find a lane in the blink of an eye. Lastly, the Sixers must stop the ball. Whether it is Fred VanVleet or Pascal Siakam, Sixers defenders must obstruct the path of the ball handler. Otherwise, Toronto will capitalize.

With this issue, Philly knows what needs to be done. Now, it is a matter of execution.

When it comes to the Matisse Thybulle dilemma, it’s not just a concerted team effort thing like with transition defense. We have a situation where an actual All-Defensive player won’t be eligible to be on the court. So, what does Doc Rivers do?

It will have to be more Danny Green minutes and Shake Milton stepping up. Both guards are not as savvy with recovery blocks or bursting into passing lanes like Thybulle, so they will have to rely on their lateral movement and try to stay in front of their opponent. With Tyrese Maxey most likely covering Fred VanVleet, it will be up to Green and Milton to keep Gary Trent Jr. in check.

The perimeter defense will have to adjust as a whole without Thybulle. They will have to be disciplined when in the past they could rely on Thybulle taking risks, causing loose ball turnovers or tip blocking shooters on a close out. Intercepting a skip pass the way Thybulle would do is not in the range of Milton’s quickness and far from Green’s athletic ability. The bottom line is that whoever gets Thybulle’s minutes must show patience and try to contest shots while not being a turnstile, leaving Embiid vulnerable in the paint.

Sixers-Raptors prediction

As NBA experts like to say, “The game slows down in the playoffs.” I believe this to be true in this series, where the Sixers will get back on defense and force the Raptors to play more halfcourt ball. This favors Philly for two obvious reasons, Joel Embiid and James Harden. In terms of the Thybulle dilemma, I think his defense will be missed on the road, but Danny Green’s 3-point shooting will offset any stops that Thybulle would have gotten in away games.

Unlike most frazzled and worried fans, I see the Sixers winning the series 4-1. Since when did the Raptors become the 1993 Bulls or 2000 Lakers? Is Nick Nurse that much better of a coach than Doc Rivers? Is Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet all of a sudden more elite than Joel Embiid and James Harden? I am unconcerned. Ultimately, the 76ers will fend off a very good Raptors team and end up most likely playing Miami in the second round.