Raptors vs. 76ers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Toronto Raptors (0-1) play against the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Wells Fargo Center Game Time: 6:00 PM EDT on Saturday April 16, 2022 Toronto Raptors 111, Philadelphia 76ers 131 (Final) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Kyle Kuzma @ kylekuzma Not …

The Toronto Raptors (0-1) play against the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Wells Fargo Center

Game Time: 6:00 PM EDT on Saturday April 16, 2022

Toronto Raptors 111, Philadelphia 76ers 131 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kyle Kuzma @kylekuzma
Not gonna lie if I’m Philly Maxey my second option this playoff run – 9:52 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
join our 76ers insiders tomorrow as they break down tonight’s W!
pres. by @betPARX twitter.com/i/spaces/1nAKE…9:41 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Based on some of the tweets that have made it to group chats I’m in, whew Raptors Twitter needs to calm down a bit. – 9:40 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: ‘In the past, I used to get frustrated a lot by double-teams.’ Now he figures he can make teams pay with passing or scoring. – 9:37 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
How a wild 48 hours sent James Harden to #76ers and reshaped #Nets nypost.com/2022/04/16/ins… via @nypostsports9:37 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid on how becoming a father has changed his game:
“It definitely helped. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been playing at such a high level. I’m happy.” 🥺 – 9:36 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid says he used to get really frustrated by double-teams, and now he’s at a point where “if they double me, I’m going to find ways to make the right play.” – 9:36 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Jordan Poole and Tyrese Maxey both going off today
Tyler Herro gotta be next – 9:35 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers open up NBA playoffs with dominant win over the Raptors, 131-111 inquirer.com/sports/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 9:34 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid on the process of learning to play with James Harden thus far:
“It was easy. It was natural. We talk a lot, we’re very close – the team as a whole, actually…
I know I trust him to make the right plays.” – 9:34 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on the bench being able to maintain the lead tonight: pic.twitter.com/LvQp7xwKIu9:33 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
“I wouldn’t say we lost ourselves. I would just say we weren’t ourselves.” – Fred VanVleet, nailing it as usual – 9:32 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
1 down!
📝⤵️ | @NJMIns9:30 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on Tyrese Maxey’s performance in Game 1: pic.twitter.com/hWbI7MyzEo9:30 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
“A couple of them, I wouldn’t have argued. A couple of them — we’ll move on.” – VanVleet on fouling out – 9:29 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers forward Tobias Harris on Joel Embiid and James Harden: ‘There’s always pressure, but in reality it’s just pressure from the outside.’ – 9:27 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
🎥 roll the tape!
@Tyrese Maxey‘s final line: 38 PTS / 14-21 FG / 5-8 3FG / 5-5 FT pic.twitter.com/C4MCWTaZoq9:26 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Tyrese Maxey scores 38, 76ers run away from Raptors to take Game 1 by 20 nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/16/tyr…9:25 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers forward Tobias Harris on expecting adjustments from the #Raptors in Game 2: pic.twitter.com/z2ClSH0WWN9:24 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Tobias Harris says the #Sixers had a very competitive week of practice. Jokes that by the fourth day they were “ready to kill each other.” Mentions that we’re still going at it in the group chat after too – 9:23 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Tobias Harris says practices this week were intense and competitive. Said they were fighting in the team group text after practice was over (jokingly). – 9:22 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tobias Harris on Tyrese Maxey’s performance tonight:
“It was pretty spectacular, really. That third quarter, the shots he was making… it was all coming together.
Hats off to him, because he played a heck of a game tonight.” – 9:20 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tobias Harris says Tyrese Maxey was “pretty spectacular” #Sixers9:20 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“If you beat him to the spot & he runs you over, it’s a foul. I thought he threw 3 or 4 elbows to the face & got called for one, OK? We’re gonna stand in there, but if we’re legal defensively, we got to have calls or we don’t have a chance” — Nurse on guarding Joel Embiid. – 9:20 PM
Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Scottie Barnes: Happy to hear there is no fracture considering Embiid came down on the foot. However, the severity of the associated ligament damage remains key to determining recovery. A low-grade sprain would be the best-case scenario. – 9:18 PM
Philadelphia 76ers PR @SixersStats
Per @Schragz / @Sportradar, @Philadelphia 76ers @Tyrese Maxey joins @LeBron James (three times) and @MagicJohnson (once) as the only players in @NBA playoff history to score at least 38 points at 22 years, 163 days or younger. – 9:17 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nick Nurse wanted more calls against Joel Embiid . Thought there were several plays where they beat Embiid to the spot and they didn’t get calls. He also said he thought Embiid had “three or four elbows to the face” and that only one was called. – 9:16 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Nurse on Embiid’s deep catches and finishes tonight:
“If we’re legal defensively, we’ve got to get a call or we’re not gonna have a chance.”
Calls out some elbows to the face, too. – 9:15 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey has arguably (nah, definitely) been my favorite Sixer to write about this season. On another big night, a compilation of some of the features I’ve written about him.
First, a deep-dive profile from December on his blend of intensity and joy. inquirer.com/sixers/a/tyres…9:14 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden, answering a question:
“I’ve been in the playoffs 13 years…”
Tyrese Maxey, cutting him off:
“You’re old, yo.” 🤣 – 9:10 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
James Harden on Tyrese Maxey: “He gets it, man. You put the work in and great things happen for you. Tonight was a testament to that.” – 9:10 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard James Harden on the speed element Tyrese Maxey brings: pic.twitter.com/JSXJYKrexg9:09 PM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden on Tyrese Maxey:
“Tyrese is great, man. He has game, and he works his butt off. He gets it.” – 9:09 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“He’s great, man. He has game and he works his butt off… He gets it and he understands it” – James Harden on Tyrese Maxey’s growth #Sixers9:09 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Harden, in response to a question about his comments on “pressure”:
“I’ve been in the playoffs 13 time-“
Maxey: “Damn.” – 9:09 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Tyrese Maxey says he appreciates the chants from the crowd tonight, but says tonight is in the rear view mirror. Looking ahead to Game 2 #Sixers9:08 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Tyrese Maxey on what he’s going to remember from Game 1: “All I’m going to remember winning. That’s all that matters at this point.” – 9:07 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Nick Nurse says X-Rays negative on Scottie Barnes’ ankle. Will undergo further imaging tomorrow. Thad Young’s thumb not broken either. Good early news for Raptors. – 9:06 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey on his 21-point third quarter: pic.twitter.com/1bV0FM3QGD9:06 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
X-Rays are negative on Barnes’ ankle. More imaging on Sunday. Same for Thad Young’s thumb. – 9:06 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nick Nurse says Scottie Barnes got an x-ray and they were negative. Further imaging tomorrow. Same update on Thad Young. – 9:05 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
X-Rays on Scottie Barnes’ ankle were negative. He’s going for further imagining tomorrow. Same with Thad Young – 9:05 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“I’m just tryna make the right plays, man. It’s not about scoring it’s about making the right plays” – James Harden on his play tonight #Sixers9:05 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers James Harden on his highlight-film long bounce pass to Tyrese Maxey for a layup: pic.twitter.com/BcF9anVawf9:05 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden on his bounce pass to Maxey in transition: “I’m not fast at all, and he is” – 9:04 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey on his mindset tonight:
“Honestly, I just went out there and tried my best to help my team. That’s what I do every night.” – 9:03 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers says he thought Paul Reed played well. Adds that he’s going to face guys of like-size all series. “If you mess up a play, get over it. Just keep playing.” – 9:03 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“I love it. I thought it was good. He comes with energy…. Just keep playing hard, that’s all we tell him” – Doc Rivers on Paul Reed tonight #Sixers9:02 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers on Tyrese Maxey: “He just doesn’t play with anxiety. That’s why we love him.” – 9:02 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on Tyrese Maxey: ‘He just doesn’t have anxiety.’ – 9:00 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers: ‘I just think our continuity (with James Harden) is a lot better now.’ – 8:59 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
James Harden in Game 1:
22 PTS
4 3PT
14 AST
1 TOV
No pressure. pic.twitter.com/ROI3POnweH8:57 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“His speed is a factor.. we know that and we have to keep using that” – Doc Rivers on Tyrese Maxey #Sixers8:55 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
76ers’ #NBAPlayoffs kicks for Game 1:
• James in the Adidas Harden Vol 6
• Joel in the Embiid One
• Tyrese Maxey in the Nike GT Cut
• Danny Green in the Puma Fusion Nitro pic.twitter.com/1b6RBg4pFJ8:54 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers win Game 1, 131-111. Tyrese Maxey scored 38 points. After talk about fixing some key areas, Sixers played a squeaky clean game with minimal mistakes.
Game 2 is Monday night in Philly. – 8:52 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The player grades following a Game 1 win over the Raptors at home #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/player-g… via @SixersWire8:52 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
good start to the series!
🪙 @Cryptocom pic.twitter.com/2NSSzJCjtY8:52 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
An absolutely killer Tyrese Maxey performance leads the way in what was a great team effort. Toronto shot the ball well, but their strengths basically vanished. Philly has to feel real good after that one phillyvoice.com/sixers-vs-rapt…8:51 PM
Jonathan Wasserman @NBADraftWass
Maxey dropping to the 20s never made sense for a second – 8:51 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Sixers had 3 turnovers vs the Raptors in Game 1.
Ties the fewest in a playoff game in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/Z0hBpD7HWR8:50 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: Coaching adjustments are key part of #Sixers-#Raptors playoff series as Doc Rivers helps Philly win Game 1 with help from Tyrese Maxey: https://t.co/OXcfPE4jxK #76ers pic.twitter.com/U2Gq6LRijn8:50 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers committed just 3 turnovers all game, dished 29 assists, and Tyrese Maxey stole the show in a basically perfect Game 1 win:
thepaintedlines.com/maxeys-third-q…8:49 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: 76ers 131, Raptors 111. Tyrese Maxey stole the show with 38 points, while Tobias Harris had 26, James Harden had 22-5-14 and Joel Embiid had 19-15-4. Pascal Siakam had 24 for Toronto, though the focus for the Raptors will be on the health of Scottie Barnes moving forward. – 8:49 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
76ers 131, Raptors 111. Was all set to be a fine “let’s learn some lessons” game until Joel Embiid stepped on Scottie Barnes’ foot.
Now, we wait. – 8:48 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final: Sixers take Game 1 against the Raptors with a convincing 131-111 win, led by Tyrese Maxey, whose 38 points on 14-21 shooting set a new playoff career-high (previous: 16). The Sixers turned the ball over just 3 times, won the rebounding battle, and had 4 players score 19+ – 8:48 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Ballgame. 131-111, 76ers win. Philly leads 1-0 and in the immediate aftermath, awaiting word on Scottie Barnes – 8:48 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes helped off floor in Game 1 after 76ers’ Joel Embiid steps on his ankle
https://t.co/Pa43Np0Cbc pic.twitter.com/u3pKtNuT0v8:47 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Sixers throttle the Raptors 131-111 to take a 1-0 lead in their first-round series. Maxey with a season-high 38 points on 14-of-21 shooting and 5-of-8 from 3. Harris with 26-6-6. Harden with 22 points and 14 assists. Embiid with 19-15-4.
Game 2 is Monday night. – 8:47 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Most Points in Team’s playoff opener by player 21 or younger per @Stathead
Luka – 42 in 2020
Tyrese Maxey – 38 today
Anthony Edwards – 36 today
Derrick Rose – 36 in 2009
stathead.com/tiny/10jtj8:46 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Can’t believe Paul Reed is still in…
(Always wanted to write this). – 8:45 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Tyrese Maxey first playoff game as a starter:
38 PTS
14-21 FG
5-8 3P
At age 21, he’s the youngest Sixer ever to drop 35+ points in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/rCeexFPicV8:45 PM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Raptors’ #NBAPlayoffs kicks in Game 1:
• Fred VanVleet – FVV logo print Li-Ning Speed 8
• Chris Boucher – Puma RS-X Mid
• Gary Trent Jr – Adidas Harden 4
• Pascal Siakam – Nike KD 13 pic.twitter.com/gJTps5Osbz8:45 PM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey heads to the bench with a standing ovation, and:
38 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST
14-21 fg / 5-8 3fg / 5-5 FT – 8:44 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Huge ovation for Tyrese Maxey as he checks out with 38 points and #Sixers up by 20. More “Max-ey” chants. – 8:43 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Tyrese Maxey checks out with a team-high 38. 1 basket short of a career-high 40.
His first playoff start. – 8:43 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Crowd is practically begging Maxey to shoot it every time he has the ball. They want 40. – 8:43 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Even in just 32 minutes, Scottie Barnes exited with the 6th-most points for a Raptor in their playoff debut (15), tied with Jose Calderon for the most assists (8), and tied with T-Mac for the 2nd-most rebounds (10… JV had 18). – 8:42 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Raptors are waving the white flag. The Sixers are going to win Game 1 with Embiid scoring the 4th most points on the team. – 8:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Jazz-Mavs was close by kind of meh.
Wolves-Grizzlies was really fun.
Sixers-Raptors was a boring blowout.
Let’s get another good one in here to close the first day of the playoffs. – 8:39 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
The Toronto Raptors led the NBA this season in defensive turnover rate, forcing their opponent to turn it over on 14.4% of their possessions.
The 76ers have turned the ball over once in the first 44 minutes. That’s a microcosm of this game. – 8:38 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Lucky for Raptors fans it’s not a best-of-one series.
This one’s over, Game 2 Monday – 8:38 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Paul Reed was a +4 in 8 minutes off the bench as the Philadelphia 76ers won Game 1 of their first-rou… – 8:37 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Absolutely nothing has gone right for Toronto in Game 1. – 8:36 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Just in case anyone forgot about Joel Embiid amid the chaos…
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/BjXcIjlShx8:35 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
VanVleet and Boucher have now both fouled out for the Raptors. – 8:35 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Chris Boucher has fouled out. – 8:35 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
FWIW, Raptors and Sixers split first 4 games of each of their first 2 playoff series. – 8:34 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Barnes has a left ankle sprain and is done for the night, the Raptors confirm. – 8:33 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Genuinely wondering if this is as good as Philly can possibly play, and as bad as Toronto can possibly play. – 8:33 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The step back 3 is falling for James Harden. If that gets going? Philadelphia will certainly be in great shape. #Sixers8:33 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Scottie Barnes has been tough as nails all season. Think of all big hits he’s taken from the likes of Jokic or Adams or even tonight from Embiid. Never takes a backward step. Seeing him in that much pain tells a scary story. Can only hope it’s not as bad as it looks. Tough kid. – 8:33 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
🚨A MUST WATCH🚨
#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/t3BevtrhK78:32 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Left ankle sprain for Scottie Barnes. He won’t return tonight and is headed for imaging, per Raptors. – 8:32 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Tyrese Maxey is about to re-enter for #Sixers8:31 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Here comes Tyrese Maxey, to an applause. – 8:30 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Georges Niang hits a three, smacks his head
James Harden imitates Niang, smacks his head
Tyrese Maxey does the griddy on the sideline
Pretty sure this is @Philadelphia 76ers nirvana – 8:28 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Prayers up for Scottie Barnes 🙏 – 8:27 PM
Kyle Kuzma @kylekuzma
Toronto can really win this series though if they wanted too – 8:27 PM
Kyle Kuzma @kylekuzma
Maxey is like that… – 8:26 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Embiid stepped on Barnes foot inadvertently. That’s a lot of weight landing on that young man – 8:26 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Scottie Barnes going straight back to the locker room. Embiid pivoted into the lane and stepped on the foot of Barnes, who was coming to help. Fluke play but that did not look good, and an ankle/foot sprain (hopefully that’s all it is) would be a big setback for the Raptors. – 8:26 PM
Eric Smith @Eric__Smith
Barnes gets stepped on by embiid ….foot was sideways on the floor — not a way a foot should bend 😐
Barnes screaming in agony…clutching the left ankle /foot
Now leaving the floor in a ton of pain …helped off by Magloire and Watanabe – 8:26 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Playing the foulout goodbye music for VanVleet while Barnes is being carried off is not the coolest move by Sixers gameops. – 8:25 PM
Tim Chisholm @timpchisholm
So the healiest the Raptors have been all year results in Birch getting thrown into concussion testing, Young spraining his thumb, and Barnes getting carried off the court after a bad ankle injury.
Also, OG got his contact lens poked out of his eye. – 8:25 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Barnes helped off the floor, slowly. Most Philly fans applauded him as he exited. VanVleet fouled out, compounded things by picking up a technical. – 8:25 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Barnes cannot put much of any pressure on that foot as he walks off the court.
Embiid stepped on his foot as Barnes lost control of his body, and the inability to take a step caused Barnes to roll the ankle. – 8:25 PM
Mike Ganter @Mike_Ganter
Replays show all 280 pounds of Joel Embiid coming down on the left arch of Scottie Barnes’ foot. He needed help to get back to the locker room. – 8:25 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Scottie Barnes is being helped off the court and to the locker room after a scary collision with Joel Embiid. He was down for a while. – 8:24 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Scottie Barnes has to be helped off the court. – 8:24 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Scottie Barnes is now walking off with help from the staff. He looks like he’s in a ton of pain. That’s tough to see for the Raptors. – 8:24 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Reminder that @Tyrese Maxey arrived to the game in this tonight pic.twitter.com/4xD3WA6Zzf8:23 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
This night just went from bad to way, way worse for the Raptors. All Embiid’s force landing on Barnes’ foot like that probably isn’t going to be good – 8:23 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Scottie Barnes left foot 😥 – 8:23 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
No, come on Basketball Gods. Don’t take Scottie Barnes out after one game! – 8:23 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Scottie Barnes is down, holding his left foot. Pascal Siakam put his face in his hands when seeing it. – 8:23 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
honestly we should all send Ben Simmons a thank you card for making this Tyrese Maxey season possible – 8:22 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
Tobi Triple! 👌
get you a hype man like @Tyrese Maxey. pic.twitter.com/EuFA93W4mP8:22 PM

Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Yikes. Looks like a sprain for Scottie Barnes – 8:22 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Just FYI, if Maxey gets to 40, the only younger players in nba history to drop 40+ in a playoff game are magic Johnson and LeBron James per @stathead stathead.com/tiny/hvDFy8:22 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Fred Van Vleet has fouled out of the game with his sixth personal.
More importantly for Toronto, Scottie Barnes is down on the floor in what looks like considerable pain, grabbing his foot/ankle – 8:22 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Scottie Barnes is down after that last play, grabbing his left foot. Looks like someone stepped on his foot. – 8:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Scottie Barnes is on the ground grabbing at his foot and it looks like he’s in serious pain – 8:22 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Looks like a rolled ankle for Scottie Barnes. He’s writhing in pain.
Fred VanVleet just fouled out fo the game. – 8:21 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Scottie Barnes is down and grabbing his left foot. Looks to be in a lot of pain. – 8:21 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Doc Rivers just yelled at Shake Milton to go to the ball when Joel Embiid is double-teamed like that near the sideline. Embiid had to call timeout. #Sixers8:18 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid and James Harden are shooting a combined 10-of-28 and the Sixers are up 112-94. Maxey is 13-of-18, Harris is 9-of-14 and Harden/Embiid are a combined 15-of-17 from the FT line. – 8:18 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
This Tyrese Maxey performance is surprising to anyone who forgot that he almost saved some reputations in Philadelphia last postseason as a rookie. – 8:15 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Interesting: Embiid is going to start the fourth for the Sixers, who lead 107-88. Chance to put things away here. – 8:14 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid back in. The Sixers will win the non-Embiid minutes in G1. Huge. – 8:14 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Tyrese Maxey is the Bishop right about now…”The Good Lord wouldn’t interrupt the greatest game of my life” pic.twitter.com/hGSaNRgBHu8:13 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Maxey’s 36 points are a season high – 8:12 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
feelin’ good after three!
🪙 @Cryptocom pic.twitter.com/gxoJUNAdO18:12 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Third-quarter Tyrese Maxey evidently not exclusive to the regular season.
He’s got 36 points heading into the fourth and is 5 for 7 from three-point range. A gear or two faster than anyone on the court tonight — against a team known for its athleticism. – 8:12 PM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
Philly fans deserve Maxey ❤️ – 8:12 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
This is like a louder And 1 streetball crowd whenever Maxey touches the ball. – 8:12 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Raptors have scored 88 points on 69 possessions (1.28 per) & trail by 19.
Sixers: 107 on 67 (1.60 per) through 3 quarters. – 8:12 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
MAXEY chants in South Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/AjHgtV3qD08:12 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Let’s check in live on Tyrese Maxey who has 36 and counting pic.twitter.com/Szh6g73sbN8:12 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
earlier this week i wrote about philly’s rotation and how they can survive the non embiid+harden minutes.
one potential solution: let tyrese maxey cook while both stars rest si.com/.amp/nba/2022/…8:12 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Maxey scored 21 points in the third quarter on 7-8 shooting. – 8:11 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Five fouls now on FVV. And Maxey up to 36 points on 13-of-18 shooting. His career-high is 39 set during a January game against Denver last season when the Sixers were blasted by COVID. Safe to say the circumstances are a bit different tonight. – 8:11 PM
Justin Verrier @JustinVerrier
Harden’s gonna end up being schmedium Tobias Harris. Maxey is legit. – 8:11 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
VanVleet has 5 fouls, the Sixers lead by 19 after 3 quarters, and construction on the Tyrese Maxey statue is expected to begin any moment now. Not the Raptors’ night. – 8:11 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Tyrese Maxey is putting on a show, 35 after 3 quarters. 76ers up 107-88 – 8:11 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
maxey is going keaton-batman nuts right now – 8:10 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
A somewhat insane performance by Tyrese Maxey, who’s got 36 points as the Sixers lead 107-88 after 3 – 8:10 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Maxey make a pair of foul shots to make it an 107-88 game with 5.8 seconds left in the third. He’s up to 36 points – 8:10 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The Raptors are now trapping Maxey 30 feet from the basket to try to force the ball out of his hands. He’s still getting to the paint and getting to the line, as he gets his 35th and 36th points from the line as the Sixers take a 107-88 lead into the 4th. – 8:10 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Tyrese Maxey has turned into the Human Torch. He’s now up to 34 points on 13-18 shooting, and has absolutely been the difference in this game. Just an incredible performance. His speed, coupled with his shooting improvement, makes him incredibly tough to stop. – 8:10 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Tyrese Maxey is evolving right before our eyes. – 8:09 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
VanVleet just picked up his fifth foul – 8:09 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Where would the Sixers be if Toronto had accepted the package including Maxey for Lowry last trade deadline? – 8:09 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
maxey’s night – 8:09 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
You just have to laugh at this point lol what Tyrese Maxey is doing right now is ridiculous #Sixers8:09 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Dang, Maxey with another 3. He’s up to 34 points – 8:09 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
No one is loved more in Philadelphia right now than Tyrese Maxey. – 8:08 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpe
Tyrese Maxey will, and should, have teams taking far better looks at this drafts fastest players. Speed is a huge and often ignored advantage. Tall guards are great, but not when chasing speedsters to the rim. – 8:08 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
TYRESE MAXEY HAS 31, AND WE’RE STILL IN Q3
that’s it, that’s the tweet – 8:08 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Sixers doing a great job of getting off the ball quickly when the defense loads on isolations, allowing Maxey to attack quickly on go and catches. – 8:08 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The crowd is chanting “Maxey!…. Maxey! …. Maxey!” with Harris at the foul line – 8:08 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
As I said before the series started, Maxey is too big of a factor to be considered an x-factor. – 8:07 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
30-piece for Maxey. With a quarter still to play. – 8:07 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Maxey nearly at 30 in the 3rd and is still pissed about the FVV 3 that he gave up on the other end. Love it. – 8:07 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Maxey-mum Impact – 8:07 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Maxey up to 31 points – 8:07 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
The Raptors are really gonna have to take advantage of Maxey’s rest minutes. – 8:06 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Wow, what a finish. Maxey, man. – 8:06 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
TYRESE MAXEY, MAN. – 8:05 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The development of Tyrese Maxey has been incredibly impressive. Like, my goodness. You have to give this kid a ton of credit. #Sixers8:05 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Tyrese Maxey: hooper – 8:05 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
I’ve said this all year, but now that the whole country (or 2) is watching, it’s worth a repeat:
What @Tyrese Maxey has done this season has been incredible. 21 years old, in an unprecedented new role, constantly challenged, & stayed coolheaded, confident, and kind.
He’s a star. – 8:05 PM
Philadelphia 76ers PR @SixersStats
Per @EliasSports, @Joel Embiid (10p/10r) and @James Harden (10p/10a) are the fourth @Philadelphia 76ers teammates to both reach those marks in a playoff game in the last 30 years.
05/10/2003 Kenny Thomas & @alleniverson
06/03/2001 @officialmutombo & Aaron McKie
05/20/2001 Mutombo & Iverson – 8:05 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid is getting his rest early in the second half. He’ll likely play the overwhelming majority of the fourth quarter. – 8:05 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors are shooting 51 per cent from the field and 45 per cent from three point range so far
And way down, in no small part because the Sixers have 10 more FGAs at the moment – 8:04 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Maxey should be the primary ball-handler for the rest of this game. – 8:03 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
HARDEN BOUNCE + MAXEY REVERSE 😳😳😳
(📼 @NBCSPhilly)
pic.twitter.com/oGWF5kq1AR8:01 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Wonder what @ProHoopsHistory thinks about the 76ers logo on the broadcast that says established in 1949 – 7:59 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Remember when Pascal Siakam was considered fast?
Well, meet Tyrese Maxey. – 7:59 PM
Eric Smith @Eric__Smith
17-4 raptors run cuts it to 11…
But credit Philly…they finally answer back with a 7-0 run to push the lead to 18…
4:42 to go in q3…raps down 88-70
Tune in on @FAN5907:59 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Damn that Harden pass was nasty – 7:59 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Crazy good Harden pass – 7:59 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Beautiful 30-foot bounce from Harden to Maxey for a reverse layup. Lead at 18. Maxey’s speed… – 7:58 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Maxey jerseys sold out yet? – 7:58 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
After some bleeding, the Sixers have ripped off 7 straight. Up 18 again after Toronto cut a 24-point lead to 11. – 7:58 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Tremendous long bounce pass from Harden to Maxey for a highlight-film reverse layup. #Sixers‘ lead back up to 18 and the #Raptors‘ Nick Nurse calls timeout. – 7:58 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
What a pass by Harden. – 7:58 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Every time Tyrese Maxey gets out in the half court, it’s like he was shot out of a cannon. He’s definitely in the conversation for fastest player in the NBA in the open court. – 7:58 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
That’s an unreal pass by James Harden. My goodness. Tyrese Maxey finishes her off and Philadelphia goes back up 18. Timeout Nick Nurse. #Sixers7:58 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Those days off did James Harden some good. Looking a lot better tonight. Not like the Harden of old, but not like the rough version we’d seen for much of this season either. – 7:58 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors had it to 11, now it’s 18; it was a “wee sign” of life – 7:58 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Raptors forward Thad Young with a sprained left thumb and won’t return, per the team – 7:51 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Thad Young has a sprained left thumb and will not return tonight – 7:51 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Thad Young won’t return with a sprained left thumb. – 7:51 PM
Eric Smith @Eric__Smith
A…..Thad young done for the night. Sprained left thumb (sustained in 1st half)
B…..Toronto on a 12-2 run…they’ve cut the Philly lead to 79-65 with 7:25 to go in q3
Tune in on @FAN5907:51 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Thad Young has a sprained left thumb and won’t return, per the Sixers. – 7:50 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Thaddeus Young has a sprained left thumb and he will not return to this one #Sixers7:50 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
The #Raptors‘ Thaddeus Young (sprained left thumb) won’t return in Game 1 vs. the #Sixers7:50 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors back within 14, a wee sign of life – 7:50 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Thaddeus Young is out for the remainder of the game with a sprained left thumb. – 7:50 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Thad Young has a sprained left thumb and will not return to tonight’s game. – 7:50 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Raptors say Thaddeus Young won’t return with a sprained left thumb. – 7:50 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Embiid being out of control and Harden getting blocked might as well be turnovers. Just can’t have those, easy buckets for Toronto on the other end. – 7:50 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Per @Raptors_PR, Thad Young is out for the night with a sprained left thumb. He hurt it in a battle for a loose ball back in the first half. – 7:50 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Raptors have gotten what was a 24-point lead down to 79-65 at the 7:29 mark of the third. Siakam now in double figures with 13 after two driving finishes in a row. – 7:50 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
What once was a 24-point lead for Philadelphia is now down to 14, as the Raptors have gone on a 12-2 run in less than 2 minutes to get back into the game. – 7:50 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The Sixers still, officially, have just 1 turnover. But they’ve had a couple of bad shots, and shots that were blocked, here in the 3rd that led to some quick points the other way by Toronto, not to mention a bad foul on Tobias. Raptors cut the lead to 79-65. Timeout Sixers. – 7:50 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
most blocks make a “smack”, “ziiing”, or “splat” sound – Embiid made that shit sound like “kerplunk” – 7:49 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
If you’re Danny Green there, you gotta not reach and just trust Embiid to be on Barnes’ pivot. Would’ve been a sike into the ground if not for the reach-in foul. – 7:47 PM
Mike Ganter @Mike_Ganter
Thad Young is done for tonight. Sprained left thumb takes him out – 7:47 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Thad Young has a sprained left thumb and will not return. – 7:46 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Thad Young’s got a sprained left thumb and will not return – 7:46 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Gary Trent Jr. misses a wide open 2-foot layup and then hits a contested corner-3, because Gary Trent Jr. – 7:45 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Would be funny to go back and watch Charles Oakley and Antonio Davis in action for Raptors and see the 20 plays that would be flagrants today that weren’t called back then. – 7:43 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Just when you think Tyrese Maxey can’t get much better for his age and experience level, he goes 17-3-2 in the first half of Philly’s playoff opener against Toronto. – 7:41 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Scottie Barnes hit with a F1. – 7:41 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Reviewing a Scottie hit on Maxey for flagrancy now – 7:40 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
The Raptors are 5-16 all-time in series openers, but 2-0 against the Sixers to start a series. Getting to 3-0 would be quite an achievement, since it’s a 69-51 halftime deficit.
Toronto actually lost Game 1 of Round 1 9 times in a row until beating Washington in 2017-18. – 7:27 PM
Tim Chisholm @timpchisholm
(At what point do I remind people that this is what the Raptors do in game ones?) – 7:24 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
The Raptors were out-rebounded 8-2 on the offensive glass, they were out-shot 48-38, they didn’t force a single turnover, they put Embiid on the line 9 times and lost his first-half rest minutes. Not a formula that’s going to win them games in this series. Sixers by 18. – 7:24 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
#sixers up 69-51 at the half. If you wrote a script to beat TOR, that’s it. They:
* Won the offensive rebounding battle 8-2
* Won the turnover battle 4-0.
* Won the non-Embiid minutes.
* Shot 9-19 from 3.
* Harris (16), Embiid (15), Maxey (15) and Harden (10) in double figures. – 7:24 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
A very balanced first half from the @Philadelphia 76ers, leading at the break, 69-51.
Harris: game-high 16 PTS / 4 AST
Embiid: 15 PTS / 9 REB / 2 AST
Maxey: 13 PTS / 3 REB / 3-5 3fg
Harden: 10 PTS / 4 REB / 7 AST – 7:23 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Destroyed them in transition, destroyed them on the glass, won the non-Embiid minutes, committed zero (yes, zero) turnovers.
An excellent half of basketball from your Philadelphia 76ers. No notes. – 7:23 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Fantastic first half from the 76ers, who lead 69-51 at the break. Philly:
– won the offensive glass 8-2
– went 9-for-19 from 3
– didn’t commit a single turnover
– had 10 more shots
– Got 31 points from Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey.
Very, very impressive performance. – 7:23 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
HALFTIME: Sixers 69, Raptors 51. Harris with 16-3-4. Embiid with 15-9-2. Maxey with 15. Harden with 10-4-7. Sixers are outrebunding the Raptors 25-15 and have a 16-4 edge in fastbreak points. – 7:23 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
ahead at the half!
🪙 @Cryptocom pic.twitter.com/zgL3d0nOOo7:23 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
That is the most connected the Sixers’ defense has looked all season.
And how does Tyrese Maxey respond to his first playoff start? 15 points, 2 assists, 0 turnovers in the first half. – 7:22 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
It’s Game 1. These are the Toronto Raptors. Don’t you know your history? – 7:22 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Sixers play a near perfect half; Raptors most certainly don’t
Philadelphia 69, Raptors 51 at the break – 7:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Really an excellent half all around, but Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey have both been so, so good in this game. They’re knocking down open triples and they’ve been so big for this team on the offensive end. #Sixers7:21 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Get your faces out of the way, Raptors! – 7:21 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
That is the third Raptors player that has gotten hit by the Sixers. – 7:21 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden getting all the way to the rim there and accepting the contact to try to finish was my favorite play from him all half – 7:21 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tobias Harris has been excellent in the first half.
16 PTS / 3 REB / 4 AST / 2-4 3fg
Playing aggressively, with confidence, and – like Maxey – showing his defensive improvement too. – 7:19 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
The Raptors have forced zero Sixers turnovers and have no steals – 7:15 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Raptors staggering, barely holding on. Maxey giving 76ers huge minutes, and now Embiid’s aggressiveness kicking in. 59-44 – 7:15 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The Sixers are playing a clean game, which also means the Raptors aren’t playing well enough to muck it up. – 7:13 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Gary Trent Jr. is 0-5 and just committed an offensive foul taking a 3
Sixers by 15 and Raptors are wobbly all over the floor – 7:13 PM
Tim Chisholm @timpchisholm
Philadelphia is playing like a team that spent a week hearing about how they got a ‘nightmare’ opponent and are in a great position to lose in round one. – 7:12 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid is realizing that he’s the biggest and the baddest dude out there. He’s in full attack mode right now. #Sixers7:11 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
3 fouls for VanVleet with 4 to go in the first half. – 7:11 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey playing with astronomical confidence thus far.
15 PTS / 6-10 fg / 3-5 3fg / 15 min
And some very solid defense on Fred VanVleet. – 7:10 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers have 11 assists and no turnovers tonight. Lead #Raptors by 12 with 4:36 to go in the second quarter. – 7:09 PM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
Joel Embiid en lo que va de partido….. pic.twitter.com/H51byda0ag7:09 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Fans not happy with Flagrant Foul 1 call on Embiid but rule is ‘unnecessary contact.’ A knee to the face would seem to qualify. – 7:06 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Barnes drives into an Embiid-shaped brick wall. Good news: he’s drawn 3 fouls at the rim over the last 6 minutes. Bad news: he got hit in the face (eye?). Flagrant 1 on Embiid. Scottie’s squinting a bit but will stay in the game to shoot his FTs. – 7:06 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Flagrant 1 on Joel Embiid, probably for swiping down on Scottie Barnes on his layup attempt – 7:06 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
And it is a Flagrant 1 on Embiid, can see that as the right call with the follow through
Hey!!!
They now “ref, you suck!” here, too – 7:06 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Flagrant 1 on Embiid – 7:05 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Flagrant 1 on Embiid. – 7:05 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Looks like Scottie Barnes is OK on the bench. Appeared he got caught in the head by either Joel Embiid’s hand or leg on that play. Referees now reviewing for a flagrant foul. – 7:05 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid with a foul against Scottie Barnes and they’re gonna review it for a flagrant #Sixers7:03 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
They’re gonna look at the Embiid hit on Barnes for flagrancy – 7:03 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Joel Embiid is TOO BIG to make this look that easy 😅
pic.twitter.com/z6r8HkBSlQ7:03 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers held steady in their first stretch without Embiid. It’s a 9-point game as he checks back in with 6:27 left in the first half. – 7:03 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Raptors lose the first stint of non-Embiid (and non-Siakam) minutes 13-11, which is not according to plan. – 7:01 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Paul Reed played five minutes, which are at worst going to be even depending on these Scottie Barnes free throws.
Feel like Sixers game ops should alert the crowd to this statistic and he should receive a standing ovation. – 7:00 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
They survived their first stint without Embiid: +2 in a little over 5 minutes (pending Toronto free-throws) – 7:00 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Two fouls for Reed in those minutes, but thought he was put in tough spots on both of them. More importantly, Sixers held the fort in the non-Embiid minutes. Mission accomplished – 7:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Embiid is coming back in and Philly went +2 in the 5:33 he sat. That’s huge for them. – 7:00 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid is set to check back in with 6:27 to go in the second with Toronto heading to the foul line and up two points in the minutes the big fella was on the bench. That’s a massive win for the 76ers. – 7:00 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Did…did we just extend a playoff lead without Embiid? – 7:00 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Things you love to see early:
Sixers rebounds: 20
Raptors rebounds: 12
Sixers OREB: 7
Raptors OREB: 2 – 6:59 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Here comes Embiid. As of now, the Sixers are +2 without Embiid on the floor. – 6:59 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors getting killed on the offensive glass is not something they can live with – 6:58 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
full steam ahead. 🌬️🌬️
#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/DeTK1rgawC6:56 PM

J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
could hear harden telling his teammates to stay home when he’s getting posted – 6:56 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Harden was getting posted, was pretty mad about all the help his teammates were giving him. Six points for Toronto just on back cuts where Sixers fell asleep weak side. – 6:55 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Gah damn. James Harden just completely shook Fred VanVleet out of his shoes on that last drive. #Sixers6:54 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Raptors sure are good at very very well contested jump shots huh – 6:53 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Paul Reed starts the 2nd quarter for Philly. Raptors don’t just need to win the Embiid rest minutes to have a real shot in this series, they need to win them decisively. – 6:53 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
OG Anunoby doesn’t shoot to miss. – 6:52 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers starting the second with Harden, Milton, Thybulle, Harris and Reed. – 6:52 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Here we go, non-Embiid minutes – 6:51 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers lineup to start Q2:
Shake Milton
Matisse Thybulle
James Harden
Tobias Harris
Paul Reed – 6:51 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Philly up 35-27 after 1 over Toronto. 10 points for Tyrese Maxey, and 7 each for Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid for the 76ers, and 7 for Scottie Barnes to lead Toronto. Sixers had 13 3-point attempts in first quarter. Philly averaged just under 32 3PA per game in regular season. – 6:50 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Sixers & Raptors combined for 62 points (& just 1 turnover) on 44 1st-quarter possessions.
Sixers went scoreless on their first 2 trips, then scored 35 points on their next 19. – 6:50 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Maxey in the last 2 regular season meetings vs Toronto: 41 points, 15-25 FG, 6-9 3P.
He had 10 points on 4-6 FG, 2-3 3P in that 1st quarter. With the Raptors keyed in on Embiid and Harden, he’s gonna be a problem in this series. – 6:50 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers did an excellent job on the glass in that first quarter. Toronto had 2 offensive rebounds. – 6:49 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Sixers up 35-27 at the end of 1. Like we all said* coming into the series the Sixers’ ability to dominate the Raptors on the glass (6-2 offensive rebounding edge) would clearly be the difference. Embiid has 7 and 7 for the Sixers, with Maxey adding in 10 on 4-6
*Nobody said that – 6:49 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers lead 35-27 after one. Joel Embiid with 7 points and 7 rebounds. The Sixers have a 15-8 rebounding advantage. Tyrese Maxey with 10 points. Harris with 7 and Harden with 3 on 1-4 shooting. – 6:49 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 35, Raptors 27 at the end of the first. Maxey with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Embiid with 7-7-2. Two big stats I’m tracking: Sixers have a 15-8 rebounding advantage (including 6-2 on o boards) and a 9-0 advantage in fastbreak points. – 6:49 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Sixers lead 35-27. Raps haven’t done the things they’re trying to do, but Barnes is looking very good. Harden/Embiid pick-and-roll has been a huge problem, not surprisingly. – 6:48 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
James Harden can absolutely be the third best player on a title team.
#Maxey6:48 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
A very balanced Q1 from the @Philadelphia 76ers, who lead, 35-27, after the first 12 mins of Game 1.
Maxey: 10 PTS / 4-6 fg / 2 REB
Embiid: 7 PTS / 7 REB / 2 AST
Harris: 7 PTS
Niang: 5 PTS – 6:48 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Scottie Barnes has become one of my favorite players. – 6:48 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Accumulating fouls and putting the Sixers on the line was always going to be an issue in a series vs an Embiid and Harden-led team. VanVleet picked up 2 fouls in the opening minute of the game, now Boucher’s got 3 fouls in 4 minutes. – 6:48 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors fouled too much, gave up too many offensive rebounds, got nothing on offence in transition.
Other than that, things are going swimmingly
Sixers up 35-27 after one – 6:48 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Paul Reed is at the scorer’s table. Looks like Doc is sticking to his promise of Reed vs. smaller teams – 6:47 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
If you like “true” backup point guards, this series isn’t going to be for you. Raptors will use Siakam and Barnes (with OG and Trent if necessary) as defacto backup PG when VanVleet out. Shake Milton much more of a SG. – 6:46 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Paul Reed and Thaddeus Young set to check in. – 6:46 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Paul Reed is set to check in #Sixers6:46 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Paul Reed is preparing to enter the game as the #Sixers‘ backup center. – 6:46 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Paul Reed is, in fact, heading to the scorer’s table. – 6:46 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
ICYMI: Some Raptors content, on a crazy team that somehow brings four centers off the bench but starts zero.
theathletic.com/3243140/2022/0…6:45 PM
Tim Chisholm @timpchisholm
I’m starting to think that fouls may be an issue for the Raptors this evening 😬 – 6:45 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Chris Boucher with three fouls in four minutes. #NotGoodForRaptorsFlow6:45 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Early foul trouble for Toronto: Chris Boucher has three in four minutes. Fred VanVleet picked up two early. – 6:45 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
3 fouls for Chris Boucher. – 6:45 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
The way the Raptors seek out Georges Niang at go at is really quite something – 6:45 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
I wonder how many games it will take for @espn to cover the Raptors players and storylines. – 6:44 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
I would say Pascal Siakam is comfortable in his matchup with George Niang. – 6:44 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors PR tells us Birch passed all concussion tests and is available to return – 6:44 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Khem Birch is available to return, Raptors say – 6:43 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Khem Birch passed concussion protocols and is available to return. – 6:43 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
nobody’s safe when Rese is left open. 👌
#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/d8SuKBz1pg6:42 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers with a 6-1 edge so far in offensive rebounds. #Raptors had 33 to Philly’s 12 in the last two RS games (a pair of 5-point Toronto wins). Tyrese Maxey (10 points on 4-for-6 shooting, 2 of 3 on 3s) is off to a terrific start. – 6:41 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Philly six offensive boards to the Raptors’ one so far, tough start in a must-win category – 6:40 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Maxey won’t win MIP. Might have to win finals mvp instead – 6:39 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Certainly not the best defensive start for the Raptors, down 26-18 at second timeout – 6:39 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers still haven’t figured out how to guard Chris Boucher (switch). – 6:37 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
death
taxes
and Georges Niang screaming into the crowd after a 3. – 6:36 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers are doing a terrific job in the rebounding department (11-5), which is a big reason they’re leading the #Raptors 20-14. Toronto dominated the boards in the teams’ previous two games (both Philly losses). – 6:34 PM
Mike Ganter @Mike_Ganter
Khem Birch can’t catch a break. He’s headed to the back after taking an elbow flush on the nose from 280-pound Joel Embiid. – 6:34 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Man, Birch can’t catch a break. Looked like he took an Embiid elbow to the face. Trainers were looking at him on the bench but he’s headed to the locker room now. – 6:33 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Khem Birch is in early, and takes a hit in the head, staying down for two possessions. Precious Achiuwa quickly replaces him. – 6:32 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
tobias can drive me nuts with his delayed extra reversal passes – 6:32 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Raptors are leaving Danny Green open in the corner. He made them pay in Toronto last week. Tonight, he’s 0-for-3 to start. – 6:32 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Khem Birch is in official pain for the Raptors. Looks like Precious Achiuwa is coming in for him. – 6:31 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers-Raptors playoff updates: Embiid, Harden look to avoid Game 1 upset vs. Toronto inquirer.com/sixers/live/si… via @phillyinquirer – 6:31 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Birch for Anunoby is first sub; usually it’s both Boucher and Achiuwa – 6:30 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey has 7 quick points and looks ready for a big playoff role. ICYMI, wrote earlier this week about how his hallmark work ethic was valuable as a rookie, setting him up for his breakout season:
inquirer.com/sixers/tyrese-…6:29 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Sixers have 5 offensive rebounds in 5 minutes. Embiid’s got 3 of ’em. Remember, Raps had a 31-12 edge on the offensive glass in the last 2 regular season meetings. Early 17-10 lead for Philly. – 6:29 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers are on a 76ers are on a 17-7 run. – 6:29 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Philadelphia has controlled the offensive glass early here, already getting an extra six shots. That’s played a huge part in the 76ers opening up an early 17-10 lead (that and Tyrese Maxey playing great once again). – 6:28 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Sixers handily winning the offensive rebounding battle early — Toronto is struggling to deal with Embiid’s size playing their normal, smaller lineup. Sixers have also been the better transition team.
So you know, just how everyone expected the series to start – 6:28 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Toronto calls timeout 5 mins in.
The @Philadelphia 76ers start 7-15 from the floor and 3-7 from deep. They’re outrebounding Toronto, 9-4 and out-assisting, 4-2.
Maxey leads all scorers with 7 pts.
The @Philadelphia 76ers lead, 17-10. – 6:28 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#DidYouKnowFlow: Tobias Harris has tied Seth Curry for fourth on the Sixers all-time playoff three-pointer list with 41 – 6:28 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Good start for the Sixers, who are 7-of-15 from the floor, are outrebounding the Raptors 9-4 and have 7 fastbreak points. They lead 17-10 and Nick Nurse calls timeout. Let the chess match begin. – 6:28 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
In their last two games against Philadelphia, Raps got down 17-2 and 28-12.
17-10? That’s fine! – 6:27 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Harden step-back assist UNLOCKED – 6:26 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
🔔 @MeekMill 🔔
#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/5IW4gs7fC26:26 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey has zero fear. This kid is just different. Gotta give him credit. #Sixers6:26 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Tyrese Maxey’s first 4 (!) playoff minutes:
7 PTS / 3-4 FG / 2 REB / 1 AST – 6:26 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
First bucket of the playoffs ✅ pic.twitter.com/6l2w07FktC6:24 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
VanVleet picked up two fouls in the first 58 seconds. #NotGoodFlow6:23 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
VanVleet with 2 fouls in 1 minute. Not great. – 6:23 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
2 fouls on Fred VanVleet in 1 minute. – 6:22 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
First Raptors possession, Barnes rebounds own miss, FVV 3
Portend? – 6:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
1st Toronto possession is an offensive rebound which leads to a 3 – 6:22 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Anunoby on Embiid, Barnes on Harden to start. – 6:21 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Foul on Fred VanVleet 8 seconds into the game. – 6:21 PM
Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
SIXERS TWITTER….
PLAYOFF BASKETBALL STARTS NOW. – 6:20 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid will be an issue in this series for the Raptors. Nick Nurse gives insight on how they’ll defend him in this series. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/16/nic… via @SixersWire #NBA5:51 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Anthony Edwards set Wolves high for points in playoff debut. If you’re wondering what Scottie Barnes needs to do for Raptors …
Tracy McGrady – 25
Chris Bosh – 22
Jonas Valanciunas – 17
Vince Carter – 16
DeMar DeRozan – 14
OG Anunoby – 12 – 5:50 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Tonight’s @invisalign Starting Lineup pic.twitter.com/ZjUP4U5uqw5:46 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Raptors sticking with the smaller lineup against the Sixers in Game 1:
Siakam, Anunoby, Barnes, Trent Jr, VanVleet
Sixers sticking with Danny Green in the opening group:
Embiid, Harris, Green, Harden, Maxey
Obviously influenced by Thybulle being unavailable for Toronto games. – 5:40 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Poll: Who wins the Raptors-Sixers series? – 5:40 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Raps are going with their top five players to start but not any of their biggest guys (who in fairness are not that big) against Embiid: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam. – 5:39 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The Raptors will start as usual: VanVleet, Trent, Anunoby, Barnes, Siakam – 5:34 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers starters: Danny Green, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden
#Raptors starters: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Fred VanVleet – 5:33 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Starters: Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Danny Green, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid for Philly.
Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes for Toronto. – 5:33 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Danny Green is starting tonight #Sixers5:32 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Projected @Philadelphia 76ers starters for Game 1:
Tyrese Maxey
Danny Green
James Harden
Tobias Harris
Joel Embiid
#PhilaUnite5:31 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
How are the Raptors maximizing their roster?
@Kevin O’Connor dives into what it’ll take for Toronto to make a deep playoff run. #TheVoidNBA
📺: https://t.co/7fcy3uyEaW pic.twitter.com/AQ3bpfVMB25:31 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Rate James Harden’s fit 1- 10 🦩
pic.twitter.com/3eloHoQ1cr5:30 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Raptors starters:
VanVleet
Trent Jr.
Anunoby
Barnes
Siakam – 5:28 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Raps go with ‘normal’ starters: Trent Jr.; Barnes; FVV; OG and Siakam. – 5:27 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Raptors going with Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes for Game 1 – 5:27 PM
Mike Ganter @Mike_Ganter
As expected Raptors will start small in Game 1 with VanVleet, Trent Jr., OG, Siakam and Barnes. Don’t be surprised if the bigs come early though. – 5:25 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors starting as we expected them to start
VanVleet, Trent, Anunoby, Barnes, Siakam – 5:24 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Regular starters for the Raptors in Game 1 vs Philly. VanVleet, Trent, Barnes, Siakam, Anunoby. – 5:24 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
James Harden was like, “Yeah, let me get this jacket with the stuffed animal & the pink flamingo. I don’t know how I’d feel if it only had a stuffed animal. But the pink flamingo, too? Gotta have it.” pic.twitter.com/LfdRZQj8hF5:17 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
One more time before Raptors-Sixers III kicks off:
https://t.co/MTbEzKpDLi pic.twitter.com/ERtMsKJ9ZP5:10 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden is preparing for work #Sixers pic.twitter.com/KTEULl6WZi5:09 PM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
Still time to cannonball into @HardwoodKnocks’ deep dive on the Sixers vs. Raptors series!
⏳ 48:54 mark
🎧 https://t.co/NvWruzzj6M
🍎 https://t.co/PExTn0ROCS
✳️ https://t.co/DOC3Esnt79
📺 https://t.co/fSLrSav9Hh
SUBSCRIBE
https://t.co/9QmXcb5rL7 pic.twitter.com/5sqmASXRvN5:01 PM

Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
guess whose shoes (playoff edition) 👀
👟 @SoleSavy4:56 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
The starting centers Rudy Gobert has faced in the playoffs:
2017: DeAndre Jordan, Zaza Pachulia
2018: Steven Adams, Clint Capela
2019: Capela
2020: Nikola Jokic
2021: Jonas Valanciunas, Zubac/Morris
2022: Dwight Powell – 4:44 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Nick Nurse when asked if there’s one thing he’d like to take away from Joel Embiid: “Touches.” (Laughs)
Serious answer: He said Embiid can be particularly dangerous when he gets the ball at the top of the key. – 4:43 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Raptors coach Nick Nurse: Asked if there’s one thing he’s trying to take away from Joel Embiid, he laughed and replied ‘Touches.’ #Sixers4:43 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Raptors HC Nick Nurse on what he hopes to take away from Joel Embiid tonight:
“Touches.” 😂 – 4:43 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Is there one thing about Embiid that the Raptors are really trying to take away?
Nurse: “Yeah, touches.” – 4:43 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nick Nurse, when asked what he’s hoping to take away from Joel Embiid: “Touches.”
Says Embiid can do it all with the ball in his hands. – 4:43 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Nick Nurse asked if there’s one thing he’s trying to take away from Embiid specifically.
“Touches” – 4:42 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Let’s get it. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/ThuxSXMaFA4:42 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Raptors coach Nick Nurse: ‘About five of our guys will probably end up guarding (the #Sixers’ Joel Embiid).’ Three years ago in the playoffs, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka defended Embiid nearly all of the time – 4:41 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Raptors coach Nick Nurse says that they will probably throw 5 guys at Joel Embiid. Compared to 2019, he told Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka to just expend their energy against him. This is obviously a different roster and a different time. #Sixers4:41 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Nick Nurse says the Raptors plan to put 5 different guys on Embiid over the course of the series. – 4:40 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Raptors coach Nick Nurse, smiling, on being such a good offensive rebounding team: ‘I always say there’s a lot of them to get for us.’ #Sixers4:38 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Nick Nurse said pregame he thinks Van Vleet has had a little more pep in his step this week; FVV and Anunoby both went through a more intensive workload this week to try to get them up to speed.
Keeping his poker face up with the starting lineup, though. – 4:37 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Nurse says VanVleet has been playing with more pop after recent rest. Says he’ll have a heavy workload in this series. – 4:36 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Raptors coach Nick Nurse says that Fred VanVleet does have a bit of a pop in his step. He has been battling a right knee injury. #Sixers4:36 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Doc Rivers says it was a good week of work for the @Philadelphia 76ers, and a tremendous opportunity to continue integrating James Harden into the team:
“In a way, we had our training camp this week. I thought it was a very productive week.” – 4:17 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Most 30+ point playoff games over the last three years:
1. Giannis (16)
2. Donovan Micthell (13)
3. Kawhi Leonard (12)
4. Nikola Jokic (11)
5. Devin Booker (10)
5. Anthony Davis (10)
5. James Harden (10)
8. Joel Embiid (9) – 3:48 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
For this piece, I called Louise Burke, the renowned nutritionist who has been working with Joel Embiid from Australia (!) since 2020. She told me how Embiid likes his veggies, how son Arthur has inspired his progress and how Shirley Temples fit in:
inquirer.com/sixers/joel-em…3:44 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
About 2 1/2 hours until start of #Sixers-#Raptors Game 1 pic.twitter.com/ODPkn1g6RR3:43 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
A look at the matchup tonight ⤵️ @FanDuelCanada pic.twitter.com/WvjVwjflvM3:27 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Playoff hoops in South Philly tonight #Sixers #Raptors pic.twitter.com/H2TbXGmAq13:04 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#CalmBeforeTheStorm #sixers #torontoraptors #NBAPlayoffs #PhilaUnite #WeTheNorth #game1flow pic.twitter.com/oLIlGiQyHo2:41 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
T – 1 hour until the gates open 🦖 pic.twitter.com/2Ak27gILNt2:32 PM

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Regardless of what happens in these playoffs, James Harden and the #Sixers are locked in for the foreseeable future. 🔐
Do you agree? 👀
🎥: @TheGameDayNBA
pic.twitter.com/7EwiPlMB1w2:10 PM

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
ICYMI @David Thorpe picks the Raptors over the 76ers, and here’s why: truehoop.com/p/76ers-have-t…1:51 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
🗣 DON’T SLEEP ON THE RAPTORS
📺: https://t.co/7fcy3uh3jo pic.twitter.com/nwpfcsW7wf1:22 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Heat in 5
Celtics in 6
Bucks in 4
Raptors in 6
Suns in 4
Grizzlies in 6
Warriors in 6
Jazz in 6 – 1:16 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
MIA in 6
BOS in 7
MIL in 5
TOR in 6
PHX in 5
MEM in 6
GSW in 7
DAL in 7 – 1:14 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
I gotta breathe real deep when I catch a attitude, I got a whole other level I can tap into pic.twitter.com/TkxPI9pqWd1:12 PM

Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
If these are right, they’re mine. If they’re wrong, they’re @Amin Elhassan’s.
MIA in 7
BOS in 5
MIL in 4
TOR in 5
PHX in 5
MEM in 6
GSW in 6
DAL in 7 – 1:12 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
As we get started here with the NBA playoffs, here are my picks for each of the Eastern Conference first round series, which includes a couple barnburners in Celtics-Nets and 76ers-Raptors: pic.twitter.com/YKH46ko5Bw1:08 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Opponents:
* Shot 77.2% at rim when DeAndre Jordan was in game.
* Ballhandlers averaged 1.177 pts/play when Jordan defended PNR.
* Averaged 117.4 Pts/100 poss with Jordan in game
Defense with Jordan was never competitive, and he can’t play against TOR..
https://t.co/LJMY9fMB4j pic.twitter.com/ye16VA2Tad12:54 PM

Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
I don’t know how valuable you think Shot Making is in the playoffs- I think it does get overvalued by some. But the gap between Philly and Toronto is huge here. Of course the Raptors have a huge edge in scheme and roster versatility. So a fascinating matchup. pic.twitter.com/gLivdQeh6X12:54 PM

Philadelphia 76ers @sixers
Saturdays are for *playoff basketball @Georges Niang
#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/tkxZ51IKho12:53 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
I didn’t even get to Harden saying he has nothing to prove 🥴 – 12:41 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Watching @ESPNNBA countdown has me all fired up!
Not one person on that panel picked the Raptors to win this series.
Just wait… Raptors in 6! – 12:41 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Sixers reading @SInow ahead of Philly-Toronto:
▪️ Mag profile on Joel Embiid bit.ly/3vqsBDd
▪️ Column on the stakes for the 76ers bit.ly/3OfKopq12:40 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
We’ll see what it portends for tonight (and beyond), but DeAndre Jordan said his role this series is to do whatever he can to help the team, regardless of if he’s on the court, and Paul Reed said he thinks he could get some minutes at center. – 12:36 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Heat in 6
Celtics in 7
Bucks in 4
Raptors in 6
Suns in 4
Grizzlies in 5
Warriors in 6
Mavs in 7. – 12:28 PM
Ralph Lawler @Ohmeomy
Trying to re-focus interest in NBA P-Os. Leaning on rooting for Phoenix (CP3) in the West and 76ers (Doc) in the East. Also interested in how GSW and Brooklyn progress. That said, Milwaukee is my pick to repeat. – 12:14 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Unsurprisingly, Paul Reed said he expects to play some backup 5 during this series. When asked about Toronto’s rebounding prowess, he said “I’m a great rebounder, too. I just go in there with a dog mentality and go grab every rebound I can. That was something I was born with.” – 12:09 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Our NBA Playoff primers are live!
📋 Part 1
—MIL-CHI (3:49)
—MEM-MIN (22:54)
—DAL-UTA (45:03)
🎧 https://t.co/tl0ZRjF8CZ
📋 Part 2
—BOS-BRK (3:15)
—GSW-DEN (23:15)
—PHI-TOR (48:54)
🎧 https://t.co/NvWruzzj6M
📋 Part 3
—MIA-ATL (3:17)
—PHO-NOP (20:42)
🎧 https://t.co/TDMENbSQYR pic.twitter.com/shWsbTvXb412:07 PM

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
New video on the Toronto Raptors—and the development of guys like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby—including conversations from this season with @BlakeMurphyODC, @william_lou, and @samfolkk: – 12:02 PM