Previewing The Sixers Road Trip – Liberty Ballers
Sixers vs. Raptors: There’s no word yet on whether Nerlens Noel will be active for Sunday’s contest, as he’s rehabbing a sprained left ankle suffered against theOrlando Magic. The Chicago Bullsattacked the low block well with Pau Gasolin Nerlens absence, which is a good sign for Raptors starting center Jonas Valanciunas. Valanciunas is averaging 11.2 PPG and 7.6 RPG. It’s a perfect matchup for Toronto, the fifth highest scoring offense in the NBA versus the 23rd overall defense. Expect Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to put on a show at home.
Raptors (5-1) vs Philadelphia 76ers (0-6): 3 keys to victory
(1)…start fast. Can they replicate the Q1 demolishment of Washington? Perhaps not, but it’s a noble goal. (2)…pay attention to Tony Wroten. If Terrence Ross can’t hold this guy down, James Johnson will be in the game on the trot. (3)…beat up their second unit. Greivis Vasquez is overdue for a big game, and Lou Williams should have some fun against a short-handed gang of D-Leaguers.
Amir Johnson (ankle) managed to practice Saturday and is considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the 76ers, TSN Sports reports.
The Evolution Of The Raptors DeMar DeRozan | Pro Bball Report
“Since I’ve been in the league I’ve been the type of guy that gets to the free throw line,” DeRozan said. “I take pride in getting to the free throw line and being top 10 in attempts. It’s just my style of play. It makes the game come easier if you get to the free throw line.” DeRozan only got to the free throw line 2.5 times per game as a rookie and he had the bruises to prove he was trying to get there more often. The next three seasons were better, but consistent at about 5 free throw attempts per game. DeRozan needed to work on his handle, outside shooting and earning the required respect of the league and its referees. It might not be fair, but it’s harder to earn that respect on bad teams, fortunately DeRozan developed a reputation as a player that worked hard and kept coming. He really wanted to be a top 10 free throw shooter in the NBA and he was learning more every season.
Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors: Sunday NBA game preview | Toronto Star
The Sixers have lost six in a row to open the season, including a three-point loss to Chicago in their last outing. . . . Guard Michael Carter-Williams is on the shelf with a shoulder injury, while rookie big man Nerlens Noel missed Friday’s game after spraining his left ankle on Wednesday night and is questionable for Sunday’s game. And their top draft pick last June, Joel Embiid, is out with a right foot injury. . . . Amir Johnson sat out the second half of Friday’s Raptor win over Washington with recurring pain in his left ankle, but was pronounced fit to play by coach Dwane Casey after Saturday’s practice. . . . In sweeping last year’s four-game series with the Sixers, Toronto averaged 111 points per game.
Drake Celebrated The Toronto Raptors’ Victory Over The Wizards By Taunting Wale On Instagram – MTV
Drake playfully tagged Wale in a scoreboard image of the Raptors defeating Folarin’s favorite team, the Washington Wizards. At the time the pic was taken, Drake’s face appeared on the jumbotron and the score was 86 to 64. Drizzy’s simple caption? “@wale.” The Raps ended up taking a 103-84 victory to remain undefeated at home. Drake might just be a lucky charm for the 5-1 squad.
