Game Preview: Sixers vs Raptors
After having the weekend off, the 76ers begin the week with the first of three at home as they host their division rival from Canada.
So far, the Philadelphia 76ers have enjoyed their stay at home. They sport a 4-0 record at The Center with three more to play during a 7-game homestand. After defeating the visiting Golden State Warriors 126-110 on Friday night, the Sixers’ record improved to 16-12 on the season, good for fifth in the East standings — and 11-5 at home. Tonight, they host the rival Toronto Raptors who are 13-17.
The Raptors come into town on the second night of a back-to-back, falling to the visiting Warriors on Sunday night 126-110. Their fifth straight loss which is a season-high. Toronto was led by Pascal Siakam with 27, Fred VanVleet added 22 and Scottie Barnes totaled 17. The Raptors were without shooting guard Gary Trent Jr for the second consecutive game while nursing a left quadriceps injury… two-way wing OG Anunoby missed his fifth in a row because of a left hip injury. A right ankle sprain caused big man Precious Achiuwa to miss Sunday night’s action.
The Raptors hosted the Sixers in late October for a two-game series. The teams split a pair with Toronto taking game one on October 26th, 119-109. Embiid and Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 31 each. Two days later on October 28th, the 76ers won 112-90 behind Maxey’s career-high of 44 points and nine made threes. Tonight will be game three of the four-game series.
Through 30 games, Toronto occupies the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference standings. While they are 10-6 at ScotiaBank Arena, the road has not been as kind — winning only 3 of 11 away from Canada. Another opportunity for the 76ers to protect their home floor against a team that struggles in the opposing team’s place. Tonight’s game tips at 7 and you can listen right here on The Fanatic.
