The Toronto Raptors take on the Philadelphia 76ers for the third time this season.
The Raptors are 0-2 against the 76ers so far losing one game in Toronto and one game in Philadelphia.
Toronto is coming off a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 20. Nikola Jokic and the defending champions were too much for the Raptors to handle.
Scottie Barnes was a bright spot from the game as he dropped a double-double on 30 points and 10 rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 18 points, but the rest of Toronto’s starters struggled only combining for 20 points.
Shooting continues to be the Raptors biggest weakness. Thy rank 27th in 3-point percentage and 29th in free throw percentage.
Meanwhile, the 76ers are coming off an impressive win over the Minnesota Timberwolves as they are continuing to roll. Joel Embiid dropped a double-double on 51 points and 12 rebounds. It was Embiid’s 13th game in a row with at least 30 points. Tyrese Maxey scored 35 points along with 5 assists. He’s someone to look out for in this matchup since he always has great games against the Raptors.
Philadelphia leads the NBA in offensive rating while ranking fifth in defensive rating.
This is going to be another tough spot for the Raptors. The team has lost 8 of their last 11 games and are 3-8 on the road.
Christian Koloko is the lone injured player for Toronto. Meanwhile, for the 76ers Nicholas Batum is out, De’Anthony Melton is questionable and Robert Covington is probable.
The Raptors are 0-7 against the Atlantic Division this season.
Toronto Raptors (11-16) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (19-8)
7:00 p.m. ET, Friday, December 22, 2023
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: O.G. Anunoby
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn
Projected 76ers Starting Lineup:
PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: De’Anthony Melton
SF: Kelly Oubre Jr.
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Joel Embiid
Key Reserves: Patrick Beverley, Marcus Morris Sr., Danuel House Jr.
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