The Sixers went to Toronto with a golden opportunity. If they had won and the Boston Celtics lost, they’d have snagged the chance to move up to third place in the standings. A date with the Chicago Bulls (a possible six seed) doesn’t appear nearly as daunting of a first round matchup than this versatile and dangerous Raptors (likely a five seed) team does. Their loss positions them for the tougher road.
Not to mention the Sixers would likely be shorthanded if they went to Canada because of Matisse Thybulle’s vaccination status.