By Sean Kennedy
“That’s right, but they never attack the same place twice. They were testing the fences for weaknesses, systematically. They remember.”
Robert Muldoon’s description for the raptors’ escape plan in Jurassic Park could just as easily represent Toronto’s attack strategy against the Sixers this season. The Raptors have won all three meetings thus far against Philadelphia, systematically attacking the Sixers defense until the inevitable breakdown that leads to a wide-open look. Expect to see plenty of ball movement and dribble-drive and kicks tonight from a Toronto team looking for their fourth straight victory in the midst of a heated playoff race. The Raptors continue to duke it out with Chicago for the 3rd seed in the East (the two teams are currently tied with Toronto holding the tiebreaker because they’re winning the Tanklantic division). Earning the third seed has huge benefits as not only would they avoid a first-round battle with the Nets, who appear to have figured things out and have plenty of playoff-tested veterans, but they could potentially earn a second-round match-up with the reeling Pacers rather than the 2-time defending champion Heat.
Additionally, Toronto should have all hands on deck after missing a couple key starters the past week. Kyle Lowry sat out 3 games with a sore knee and Amir Johnson missed 2 games with an ankle injury, but both players practiced yesterday which would seem to indicate they’ll be suiting up against the Sixers. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas will also take the court despite being charged with a DUI earlier in the week. Police were notified after he went through a fast food drive-through with open beer bottles visible. Jonas, you’re making $3.5 million this season, maybe call a car service when you’re craving fourth meal.
The Sixers will need to do a better job getting a pair of Raptors under wraps after they’ve terrorized them this season. In the teams’ previous three meetings, DeMar DeRozan has averaged 31.3 points, constantly earning trips to the free throw line and showing off his mid-range game. Although he’s not a good three-point shooter at 30% on the season, he’s also shown the ability to hit the wide-open three from the corner that the Sixers allow all too frequently. He’ll be getting a number of open looks off the dribble penetration of Philly native Lowry, who has recorded double-digit assists in all three games against the Sixers. Lowry also recorded a triple-double in one of the contests, and it would be encouraging if Michael Carter-Williams’ improved play of late translated into out-performing the dynamic Raptors point guard.
Toronto has a ton on the line in this match-up and even the most optimistic of Sixers fans wouldn’t expect them to come out on top tonight. Let’s hope the team continues to put forth spirited efforts that are more reminiscent of the Brooklyn comeback attempt than the Charlotte dumpster fire. Together we build, 5 games left.
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