Game Preview: Sixers Host The Raptors

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots between Khem Birch #24 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on December 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The 76ers return to the floor tonight to host the Toronto Raptors with six games to play on the regular season schedule as they gear up for the postseason. But while they know the playoffs are looming, there’s still work to be done. Not only in the standings but also within the locker room. They look to finish strong and establish some momentum heading into their first-round matchup. After Thursday night’s action in the NBA, the Sixers are 2.5 games behind the Boston Celtics following their 41-point victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a battle of the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, 50-26, now trails the Bucks by 4.5 for the number one seed.

Toronto comes to town tied for the eighth seed with the Atlanta Hawks sporting identical records of 38-38. Both teams are 1.5 games back of the seventh seed. The Raptors play the next five games on the road with the final game at home – not an easy stretch for the Raps to close out the season. The Sixers have won two of three contests so far this season, with tonight being the final one of the four-game series. For Philadelphia, it’s all about picking up the win and handling the business in front of them. Let the seeding take care of itself.

The 76ers have had to worry about the availability of their stars Joel Embiid (calf) and James Harden (achilles) over the last five games. But it seems like they’ll be ready for tonight’s matchup. One other important player to keep an eye on this evening against the Raptors will be starter Tobias Harris. Harris has appeared on the injury report as questionable while dealing with a non-Covid illness. This will most likely be monitored up to tipoff.

Probable Starters:

PHI: Embiid, Harris, P.J. Tucker, Tyrese Maxey and Harden

TOR: Jakob Poeltl, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet

Exclusive Courtside Photos From The 2023 Fanatic Knockout Tournament

The annual Fanatic Knockout Tournament never fails to bring us a great time at a Philadelphia 76ers game, interaction with some of our regular listeners, and fierce rivalries between hosts looking for bragging rights over the next year.

The Sixers took down the Dallas Mavericks 116-108, and Ryan from Collegeville took home the Knockout trophy after an intense game on the court at the Wells Fargo Center after the game.

All listeners who participated enjoyed a night at the Sixers-Mavs game on us and a fun time on the floor in a solid round of a game that brings (sometimes unexpected) intensity every time. Luckily, there were no schoolyard moves when a player chucks an opponent’s ball away to play illegal defense.

Tyrone Johnson worked the mic, and Connor Thomas was the last member of the Fanatic staff standing.

Tom Alvord, the station’s defending champ from 2022, elected for some load management by producing the Sixers game back at the station in a selfless effort.

How will the conversation between Connor and Tom play out to open their Sunday morning show?

The Fanatic Knockout Tournament was presented by Ferguson HVAC – your Delaware Valley Trane Heating & Air Conditioning Distributor. Visit Trane.com to find a Trane HVAC dealer near you.

Live courtside coverage from Wells Fargo Center
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