Protect the Ball
Per usual, the Sixers have struggled with turnovers a bit so far this series, coughing the ball up 10+ times in each contest. Facing the Raptors has proven to be quite the challenge for Philly, so they needn’t make it harder on themselves by stockpiling turnovers. If the Sixers are going to be successful in tonight’s pivotal matchup they have to do a better job at protecting the ball and limiting self-inflicted wounds.
Continue Defensive Supremacy
Save for a lackluster effort in Game 1 in which the Raptors shot 51% from the floor, the Sixers have been excellent defensively so far this series. The wing players have been terrorizing Toronto ball handlers along the perimeter and Embiid has been his usual dominant self around the rim, swatting everything in sight.
Now, back on the road, the Sixers must continue to swarm defensively and keep the crowd out of it as they suffocate the Raptors offense. While stopping Kawhi Leonard is next to impossible, the Sixers should be able to come out victorious if they can limit the supporting cast around him.
Let Jimmy Butler be the Closer
If there’s one thing Butler has proved since arriving in Philly, it’s that he knows how to close a game. With several game-winning buckets already to his credit, Butler has earned the right to be the go-to guy in crunch time. I’m not suggesting they get away from their team-friendly offense and force feed him every possession down the stretch, but when they are in need of a clutch basket the ball simply has to find a way to Butler- especially if Embiid continues to suffer from illness.
