TOR vs PHI Dream11: The First Round series count is decreasing with each day. We have seen the Celtics, Heat, Bucks, and Warriors qualify for next round while the Suns, Grizzlies, and the Mavericks are one win away from qualifying. There is one other team that is just a game away from making it to the next round and that is the Philadelphia 76ers, they will visit the Toronto Raptors in the last game.
The Raptors won the last game 103:88 as Pascal Siakam drilled 23 points and the balanced scoring of the team also helped the matters. The Raptors have won two in a row and although no team has ever come back from a three-nil deficit, they have made this series interesting through some terrific defense. Can they break the record of a team never winning down nil-three as they will need two more games?
Host: Toronto Raptors
Visitors: Philadelphia 76ers
Match Timing: 29 April, @ 04:30 AM (+05:30 UTC)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena
Raptors come back strongly
The Raptors would be ruing the Overtime loss in Game 3 which would have tilted the series in their favor but they have done a great job of shutting down the 76ers in two games straight. They held the 76ers to below 40% shooting while also only allowing 27% from beyond the arc while forcing 15 turnovers and only committing 8 themselves.
Joel Embiid’s injured hand seems to be bothering him, but all in all, the Raptors have kept him in 19-21 points range in three of the five games. The Raps have also not allowed James Harden to settle while Maxey’s initial touch has disappeared. The lack of depth also makes matters complicated for the 76ers but credit should be given to the disciplined Raptors.
It is clear that the Raptors need Pascal Siakam to dominate both ends of the floor for them to have a strong chance of winning and with Fred Van Vleet out of the fray, Gary Trent and OG Anunoby have more responsibilities. Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa surely has been a huge difference-maker off the bench while getting back Scottie Barnes has improved them in various ways as well.
Performance Predictions
Top Scorer: Pascal Siakam: 29
Top Rebounder: Joel Embiid: 13
Highest assists maker: James Harden: 10
Scoreline Prediction: Toronto Raptors 108 76ers 102
Philadelphia 76ers Team News
Sixers Expected Starting Five
Veteran Big Forward: PF: Tobias Harris
Superstar Scorer and Rebounder: C: Joel Embiid
Dynamic Guards: PG: Tyrese Maxey
Leading playmaker: SG: James Harden
Defensive specialist: SF: Danny Green
BENCH: Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz, Paul Millsap, Shame Milton, DeAndre Jordan, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Henry, Charles Bassey.
Toronto Raptors Team News
Raptors Expected Starting Five
Two-way Rookie Wing: SF: Scottie Barnes
Leading Scoring and Rebounding Forward: PF: Pascal Siakam
Defensive specialist: G/F: OG Anunoby
Middle: C: Khem Birch
Pressure Defender and Iso Scorer: PG: Gary Trent Jr.
BENCH: Chris Boucher, Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn, Svi Mykhailiuk, Delano Banton, Isaac Bonga, Justin Champagnie, Yuta Watanabe.
*Game 5 stats*
Pascal Siakam(TOR)
Points: 23
Rebounds: 10
Assists: 07
Siakam continues to display his wizardry and carries the major hopes for the Raptors on both ends of the floor. Siakam has scored 20 or more in four of the last five games and I expect a 24-29 points, 5-10 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-50
Joel Embiid(PHI)
Points: 20
Rebounds: 11
Assists: 04
Big Embiid has been bothered by an injured hand but he has had a substantial impact as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. I expect a 21-27 points, 10-15 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks/steals range. He is usually the favorite for Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-50
James Harden(PHI)
Points: 15
Rebounds: 02
Assists: 07
Steals: 01
Blocks: 01
Harden has shot below 40% in four of the five games but he has done a great job as a playmaker. I believe he will be in 14-22 points, 7-10 assists, and 1-2 steals/blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
OG Anunoby(TOR)
Points: 16
Rebounds: 05
Assists: 04
Steals: 02
Wing Anunoby has done a terrific job as a scorer and also brings prominent defense to the forefront. I expect him to pop off this game and be in 17-22 points, 4-6 rebounds/assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-39
Tobias Harris(PHI)
Points: 16
Rebounds: 07
Assists: 04
Power Forward Tobias has played like a veteran all series long and his work as a hustle player and rebounder has been commendable. I expect a 14-19 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 2-4 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-37
Scottie Barnes(TOR)
Points: 12
Rebounds: 08
Assists: 04
Steals: 03
Wing Scottie has gotten it done in his rookie year and he won the Rookie of the Year for his versatile playing style and elite defense. He made 5/10 shots in the last game and I expect a 11-18 points, 6-10 rebounds, 3-5 assists, and 1-3 steals range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
(Recommended)
PG: S Milton
SG: G Trent, D Green
SF: S Barnes, C Boucher
PF: P Siakam(SP)
C: P Achiuwa, J Embiid(PP)
(Alternate)
PG: T Maxey, S Milton
SG: G Trent, D Green, J Harden(PP)
SF: S Barnes
PF: P Siakam(SP)
C: P Achiuwa
Do you wanna watch the Raptors desperately force a Game 7 or the Sixers looking to close out the deal as Siakam and Embiid once again come face-to-face? In not the most pleasant piece of news for India-based NBA viewers, this game can’t be seen on streaming services JIO TV and Voot, the two official streaming platforms for viewers in India. What is the option? Go to the NBA League Pass and purchase the annual subscription (599 rupees per year), to have a peek at all live games while you also can get the full game replay if you can’t catch the live stream. To learn the scores, stats, and news, go to the official website of the NBA.
