Raptors Path to Becoming First Team to Erase 3-0 Deficit More Realistic
By Reed Wallach
![Apr 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts Apr 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3466,h_1949,x_0,y_101/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/426/01g1kn8b8ep0f3jzjazb.jpg)
Could it happen?
The Toronto Raptors are attempting to become the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-0 series deficit and beat the Philadelphia 76ers. After winning Game 5 in Philadelphia, 103-88, the Raptors are now two games away from entering unchartered territory. Even getting this far is rare.
The Raptors are the 14th team all-time to force Game 6 after trailing 3-0 in the series.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2022
Looking ahead, only 3 teams in NBA history have forced Game 7 after being in that situation (most recently in 2003 Trail Blazers), but none of them rallied to win the series. pic.twitter.com/8IQRBxI2ef
After sitting north of +3000 before Game 4, the Raptors are now +500 to take down the Sixers at WynnBET Sportsbook.
Here are the odds for Game 6 in Toronto.
Sixers vs. Raptors, Odds, Spread, Total
Spread:
- Sixers: -1.5 (-110)
- Raptors: +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Sixers: -125
- Raptors: +105
Total: 209 (Over -110/Under -110)
Joel Embiid's Injury Impact on the Series
Embiid is dealing with torn ligaments in his thumb, but is playing through the injury. However, his play has slipped considerably, combining for 41 points over the last two games (he suffered the injury during the Sixers Game 3 win).
ESPN story on Joel Embiid's ligament tear and looming offseason thumb surgery: https://t.co/Iv99Xy4RAF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2022
With Embiid's play hampered by the injury, the team has leaned on James Harden more than ever to take over, but struggled in the Game 4 loss, scoring 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Three's concern if the MVP candidate can hold up over the next two games, and even more fear over the former MVP's play this series.
Embiid on Harden only taking 11 shots: "I've been saying all season since he got here, he needs to be aggressive and he needs to be himself. That's not really my job, that's probably on coach to talk to him and tell him to take more shots"
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) April 26, 2022
Full quote: pic.twitter.com/vc5WIpROLO
Of course, the Sixers can still win one of two games and end this series, especially considering the Raptors may be without guard Fred VanVleet the rest of the series as he recovers from a hip injury suffered in Game 4.
In spite of that, the recent history of head coach Doc Rivers and the 76ers postseason appearances, there is growing fear that the team will be on the wrong side of history. Given the series prices as well as the Game 6 and (projected) Game 7 line, it may be better to play the Raptors game by game rather than take the +500.