Spin Zone: The Raptors are Exactly Where We Want Them
Alright let’s be real as Sixers fans, down 3-2 as the lower seed in the NBA playoffs is not ideal. In fact, it’s probably worse case scenario when a superstar like Kawhi Leonard is on the opposite team. But let me ask you this. Out of the remaining 3 teams in the East, who is most likely to blow a 3-2 lead. Im picking Toronto.
It’s just something about the postseason in Toronto. It never seems to work out no matter how many games the Raptors win during the regular season. They can finish 1st and 2nd in the Eastern conference every year but it doesn’t matter, Toronto is just not a basketball town, even though this seems to happen with hockey too. Not their fault, without Drake sitting courtside the Raptors would be equivalent to an ultimate frisbee team (shoutout Philadelphia Spinners RIP 2016) based on popularity. Canadians care about hockey. The Maple Leafs played anyone else besides Boston, Scotiabank Arena would be outfitted with white and blue Leafs banners.
In no way am I an excuse guy. I don’t like them and I think they are imaginary reasons something didn’t get done. That being said, if Joel had an immune system that could fight against anything more than common cold this series would be 3-2 heading back to Philadelphia. I mean god damn getting hit with the shits AND an upper respiratory infection in the same week is just garbage luck. No reason Brett should let Joel out of any controlled climate in anything less than a white sterilization suit. Put a bubble around our star whenever he steps on a plane. Those things are germ factories that just bellow diseased air into your face on a continuous cycle. Getting off a plane into that 40 degree Toronto air is also not ideal. Have TJ and Zhaire roll him in bubble wrap until they get to the hotel.
Game 6 is tonight. Joel has gotten another two days of rest and I’d be lying if I said I isn’t Google “how long does an upper respiratory infection last”. Hopefully Jimmy or Brett can get the boys back on the right track to force a Game 7. A win in philly, and a healthy Joel could be enough to beat the Raptors north of the border. If someone could grab a photo of Drake in a Kawhi jersey that would also be helpful. I think he knows his power, didn’t see him on TV the first half. Two wins is all we need. Let’s handle business in South Philly tonight.