Toronto did what they needed to in Game 5, taking advantage in the series. Teams that win Game 5 win the series 82% of the time, whether it was 2-2, or 3-1. Kawhi Leonard had a very rare “off-game,” and it was when he did that his teammates finally stepped up.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, did not look like it belonged on that court. It would also seem that Brett Brown would be wise to sit Greg Monroe in favor of Boban. There are various things he has to tinker with to bring them back.
The Toronto Raptors are -2 point favorites to win Game 6, with the over/under set at 213.5.
Raptors Getting Hot
When you put up 125 points in a game, the chances are that you have just come away with a win. When you double up on defense and only allow 89, well, you have just picked up a blowout victory. Toronto was firing on all cylinders, hitting 16 of 40 shots from beyond the arc.
Kawhi shot 7-16 and had 21 points, but it was Pascal Siakam, who poured in 25 points and hit timely shots from both the floor and the foul line, leading the way. Danny Green and Kyle Lowry were also hitting their threes, and because of the blowout, they were able to get some rest for the starters.
To come out on top tonight and book a date with the Milwaukee Bucks in the ECF, the game plan is pretty simple for these Raptors. They need to move the ball and bury the three. They will need Kawhi to be in attack mode, and they need to slow down Joel Embiid. He has played well in wins and been horrible in losses.
Sixers Need A Turnaround
Where to begin? They scored only 89 points last game, missing shots left and right, as well as defensive assignments. They shot just 6 of 24 from three-point range, and only Jimmy Butler was able to provide offense. JJ Redick had only three points and had a -21 net rating.
In this series, with Joel Embiid off the floor (83 mins), they have a -38.6 net rating. In comparison, they are +9.6 with him on the floor. Philly is a home underdog tonight, marking the 11th time in the last five postseasons that there is a home underdog. They are 0-10 against the spread coming in.
If they want to force a Game 7 this weekend, they will need to start strong. They have to go to Embiid down low, and he needs to get Gasol in foul trouble. Greg Anthony talked about how Philly’s offense should be graded on how Redick is running around and getting looks. He’s been atrocious.
Raptors Close Out Series
Sorry Philly, maybe next year. The Raptors will be coming away with a win to close the door. Folks, make sure you bet TOR -2! They are about to claim the series and a date with the Bucks!
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