It’s game four of the first round of the NBA playoffs, and the Sixers are looking at a chance to sweep the Toronto Raptors on their home court. Following a thrilling game three, Philadelphia is hoping to wrap up the series in order to rest up for a second round matchup against either the Miami Heat or the Atlanta Hawks.
- When: Saturday April 23rd at 2:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, CA
- How: TNT, NBCSP, 97.5 FM The Fanatic
Philadelphia 76ers
- Matisse Thybulle – Out (Ineligible)
- Charless Bassey – Out (Shoulder)
The Sixers will be without Charles Bassey once again as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury that he’s been dealing with since before the G League Finals. Bassey would have been unlike to play regardless of health but hopefully he continues to heal up for next season — or this season if the Sixers find a reason to need him.
Matisse Thybulle’s absence is old news at this point but it’s not as it turns out, it’s not as doom and gloom as many felt initially. While Thybulle is certainly a talented player and it would be foolish to suggest that the already shorthanded Sixers are better without him, his presence wasn’t noticeably missed in game three. One could argue OG Anunoby would not have gone off the way he did but the Sixers’ did a fantastic job defending Toronto regardless. It will be interesting to see the implications of this when the offseason comes round.
Not listed on the injury report — though reportedly injured — is Philadelphia 76ers’ superstar Joel Embiid who is suffering from what is feared to be a torn ligament in his thumb. For now, Embiid will play through the pain and will get an MRI likely after the end of the first round.
Toronto Raptors
- Scottie Barnes – Doubtful (Ankle)
Only one name appears on the Toronto Raptors’ injury report and that would be rookie sensation Scottie Barnes. Many will recall Barnes suffering and injury to his foot/ankle in game one as Joel Embiid landed on it in the middle of a double-team. Raptors’ head coach Nick Nurse has stated that though Barnes is now limited in practice — which is an upgrade — he is still considered doubtful for tonight’s game.
Odds
The visiting Philadelphia 76ers are currently three point favorites over the Raptors. While there is no final word on Barnes’ availability yet, it’s more likely than not that he will be unavailable so the line is not expected to change by much if at all.
Prediction
While Toronto will be fight with all they have, the Sixers’ will take care of business in game four and return to Philadelphia as victors, enjoying a much deserved rest before round 2.
Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers – 109 | Toronto Raptors – 103
