2 min read • April 18, 2022
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The 2021-2022 NBA Playoffs are in full swing with each squad fighting for a chance to appear in the NBA Finals. Fighting in the Eastern Conference 4-5 matchup is Atlantic Division rivals Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers. After a 20 point Game 1 loss, the Raptors will be reeling due to losses of two starters, Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr.
Raptors SIC Health Score - 75
In comparison to Drake’s new album “Certified Lover Boy” which featured multiple stars, the lone Canadian NBA team will be without multiple stars as they head in to Philadelphia for Game 2. Rookie of the year candidate F Scottie Barnes suffered an ankle injury last meeting meaning he will miss this matchup and likely the series.
This is a huge blow to Raptors on both sides of the ball as the rookie contributes in all facets averaging 15.3 points per game, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while also contributing just over a steal a game. The Florida St. alum was on his way to a triple double Game 1 only needing two assists before leaving with the ankle injury. Veteran forward Chris Boucher (FD $4,500) and 2013 East Asia Basketball Championship bronze medal winner Yuta Watanabe (FD $3,500) will likely see more minutes with Barnes sidelined.
The other star absent for Game 2 is sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. who played Game 1 but is dealing an illness that will prevent him from suiting up. This has been reported as a non COVID-19 illness but is serious enough to miss shoot around Monday shooting around and will now watch from the bench.
A large amount of points will be missing from the lineup meaning the Purple Dinosaurs will rely heavily on All-Star Fred Van Vleet (FD $7,600) to contribute offensively. In his last 5 games, Van Vleet has averaged 18 points including a 29 point outburst April 3rd.
Key depth forward Thad Young is listed as doubtful due a thumb issue meaning the Raptors will be extremely thin at forward.
76ers SIC Health Score - 91.8
The extremely healthy Philly team will go into Game 2 on the heels of a dominant 20 point win.
Bearded All-star James Harden (FD $9,700) seems to be over a hamstring ailment that caused him to schedule maintenance days during the regatta season. In Game 1, Harden enjoyed a fantastic game scoring 22 points and dishing out 14 dimes.
With no significant health issues, the main issue is the availability of defense wizard Matisse Thybulle who vaccination status will caused him to miss the games scheduled in Toronto.
To prepare for his absence, the 76ers started veteran Danny Green (FD $3,800) who will need to step up in Thybulle’s absence.
With a 18.6 point difference from Game 1 to Game 2, Raptors will struggle to keep up with the healthy Philly roster.
Injury-based Plays:
Fred Van Vleet O21.5 Points - The guard will be the only threat besides Pascal Siakam to score, expect him to make up for the lack of points with Trent/Barnes sidelined
OG Anunoby O5.5 Rebounds - The versatile forward will pick up the rebounds Barnes would have, has gone over prop in 4 of the last 5 games
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