Watch Game 1 of the Raptors and 76ers series starting at 6 p.m. in RDS and Sportish.

The last time the Raptors and 76ers met in the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard knocked out the Sixers with the Shot, one of the most famous dismissals in the history of Canadian sport.

It was 2019, in the second round. The Raptors achieved a triumph in the NBA Finals against Golden State.

The forces are significant on every side.

As evidenced by their record 34-17 from December 31, the Raptors play with dedication and confidence. They display a dose of dinosaur-sized confidence that, combined with passionate followers, is reminiscent of an exciting time.

During his push to the basket, Pascal Siakam demonstrates the flexibility and effectiveness of the big days: pivot, extension and final touch, an unusual recipe. For the first time a star player, Fred VanVleet is an exemplary leader. Both are also workaholics, having led the league in minutes per game.

Awesome from short to medium distances, often through the dashboard, the fiery Scottie Barnes aspires to take the title of rookie of the year. In this regard, he received the support of Charles Barkley in particular.

For three-point shots, VanVleet has had a reduced success rate since early March. The Raptors will need a wide-ranging touch against Philadelphia, as will Gary Trent. Another player who could help make a difference is OG Anunoby, who recently returned after a long absence from an injury to his right finger.

In particular, Montreal residents Chris Boutcher and Kim Birch were added, as well as Precious Achiuwa and Thad Young. Acquired in the exchange of Kyle Lowry, Achiuwa has made tremendous progress during the season. In exchange for Goran Dragic, Yang proves to be a very nice asset, creative in his way of attacking and working in defense. He also has a very large physique, at six feet-eight and 235 pounds. Bauser led his club with 75 blocks in the regular season.

The Sixers are led by Doc Rivers, who is ninth in all-time wins.

Joel Embiid won the NBA Scoring Championship, averaging 30.6 points. He also finished fifth in rebounds per game.

James Harden and Tobia Harris are significant threats, while Tyrese Maxi had a 42.7 percent three-pointer.

The Raptors will want to live up to their steal reputation, finishing second in the league with nine per game, on average. Trent is part of the elite at this level – like Matisse Thybulle of the 76ers. The latter will not be able to play in Canada without being fully vaccinated.

Champions last year, the Bucks will start defending their title against the Bulls. The Lake Michigan clubs have not met in the playoffs since 2015. Despite the recession since March, the Bulls had their best season since 2014-15. However, Milwaukee have won all four of their matches this season.

The Eastern Titans are Miami, with Lowry and Jimmy Butler among others, and Boston, whose record since January 29 is 28-6. The Celtics could have their hands full in the first round against Kevin Durand, Kyrie Eyring and the rest of the Nets. The Heat face the Hawks, led by Trae Young.

In the West we will first watch Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Golden State, facing Nikola Jokic and Denver.

Curry easily led the NBA with 285 three-pointers. After a two-and-a-half year absence (knee and Achilles tendon), Thompson has been shining since returning to action in January. Writer with 28.0 points per game since March 20, he has scored 44% of his long-range shots since then.

Curry has lost just 11 games with a left leg injury, but is expected to be in charge from Saturday night.

The other series will face Dallas with Utah, Phoenix with the Pelicans and Memphis with the intriguers Timberwolves, who have minority owner Alex Rodriguez among their supporters.

From the Mavericks side, Luka Doncic is injured in the calf. It is unlikely to be available as a curtain in a row.

Canadian Dwight Powell has averaged 13.6 points since March 21. Note that Dallas has not passed the first round since 2011.

Weeks before turning 37, Chris Paul remains a point of reference and a significant advantage for the Suns, who led the league with a record of 64-18. Paul finished first in the league with 10.8 assists and second with 1.9 steals.

With the Grizzlies, Ja Morant became a real star in his third season. The second scorer of the team is the Canadian Dillon Brooks.

In short, there is plenty to attract fans as the NBA heads to its 75th anniversary season.