Sixers vs Raptors Predictions: Philly Need to Keep the Ball Moving

• The Sixers enter this game off the back of their first win in four games of this early NBA schedule.
• The Raptors are even at 2-2, looking to start off this back-to-back with the Sixers right.
• The Raptors won last year's season series against the Sixers 3-1.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors Predictions and Picks

The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a dreadful start, as they struggle to find cohesion in their offense. Bank on the Raptors, whose continuity through the offseason has put them on track for a fast and consistent start to the season.

Pick:

Toronto Raptors def. Philadelphia 76ers (-110)

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

Head-to-Head: Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

Injury Report

PHI: Philly Need to Keep the Ball Moving!

The Sixers are notorious as an isolation-heavy team, mostly due to the skill of their MVP-level stars James Harden and Joel Embiid. However, against a switch-happy Raptors team, the Sixers must punish their opponents with ball movement.

Through their first four games the Sixers rank 25th overall in assists per game and 18th overall in three-pointers per game. They're not shooting on excellent efficiency, just 35.6% per game, but they do a great job using their spread offence to get to the free throw line.

The Toronto Raptors have historically given them trouble, mostly due to their dominance on the glass and ability to get to the rim. If Philadelphia want to earn their second win, it's going to take an all-around offensive effort.

Sixers Key Player: (G) Tyrese Maxey

The Philadelphia 76ers are missing some synergy between their teammates, with Tyrese Maxey suffering the most as of late. The young guard had his breakout performance in last year's first-round playoff series against the Raptors, and will look to build off of those memories.

Maxey is coming off of a game where he struggled. Despite playing 37 minutes, he posted just 8 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds. He shot just 3 of 11 from the field and 2 of 5 from three-point range. He didn't go to the free throw line once.

Maxey has caused issues for the Raptors in the past due to his shooting and speed on the ball. If he can find his range early, the Raptors will have a long night on their hands.

TOR: Can the Raptors Improve on Their Offence?

The Toronto Raptors own one of the league's more unique rosters, and it's benefitted them on the defensive side of the ball. On the offensive side though, the Raptors have struggled to find a rhythm or consistent shooting outside of a chosen few.

In their last game, a win over the Miami Heat, the Raptors shot just 39.5% from the field, despite converting on 43.8% of their three-point attempts. In truth, it was their defence and rebounding that won them the day, defeating Miami on the glass 52-46.

If the Raptors want to win, they need to maintain their effort on the more blue collar parts of the court. However, to secure a victory they need an efficient offence that threatens Philadelphia on all tiers of offence.

Raptors Key Player: (C) Precious Achiuwa

The Toronto Raptors are off to a decent start and much of it has to do with the development of their young players. Coming into the year on a high is Precious Achiuwa, whose defensive efforts have put the league on notice.

In his last game, a win over the Heat, Achiuwa posted a monstrous stat line. The third-year big man collected 10 points, 22 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block on the evening. He was just 5 of 12 from the field in 33 minutes of play, but led the bench unit with a plus-10.

Achiuwa saw plenty of Embiid in their last playoff series against Philadelphia, and he'll see more of him tonight. How the young big man handles the MVP-calibre centre will determine the Raptors chances at victory.

How to Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors