The Raptors finally lost in opponents territory. The road to 40-1 continues.
Toronto has not played good basketball for six quarters heading into Thursday. The usual suspects are largely at fault such as suspect half court offence, which has led to poor shooting and open court turnovers (although turnovers as a whole has not been a problem). The defence has not been great either during that span.
That being said, this is a good opportunity for the three game losing streak to end. There is a behemoth of a schedule coming next week so don’t take this one for granted.
Philly started the season atop the East at 8-2. That’s somewhat surprising, considering the consistent stories in relation to Ben Simmons. The Sixers are the most depleted team in the NBA right now (if I’m overlooking another team, please let me know). The full injury report is below. However, they have given the Knicks and the Bucks (Milwaukee is also seriously depleted) a good run for their money in their last two losses despite only played eight guys in both games. Andre Drummond has had 25 and 20 rebounds starting for Embiid, which could (will) post a problem for Toronto’s small front court. Tyrese Maxey has had to play a leading role offensively, taking 43 shots for 47 points in those two games. The Sixers were leading going into the fourth vs Milwaukee, and were in a one point game with five minutes remaining vs New York.
Clearly the scrappy aspect is there. That’s to be respected, but let’s be real. It would be pretty disappointing if the Raps drop under .500 against a team thats missing 80 percent of their starting lineup from last season. I’m a little guilty of schedule predicting here, but an 8-6 record heading into Monday to kick off the six game road trip would be ideal.
Look for OG Anunoby to set the tone. He’s only averaging 15 points in the last two games, after scoring 20+ in the three before which includes his career-high 36 against the Knicks.
Last but definitely not least: it’s Remembrance Day.
Game Info
Tip Off: 7pm EST | TV: TSN 4 | Radio: Sportsnet 590
Raptors Lineup
Nick Nurse said after the Celtics game that he doesn’t expect Pascal Siakam will play. Siakam logged 30 minutes vs Boston. Khem Birch (knee) is out. Yuta Watanabe (calf) hasn’t played all season, so don’t expect him in this one either. Pretty light in front court.
PG: Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, Malachi Flynn, Goran Dragic
SG: Gary Trent Jr, Svi Mykhailiuk
SF: Scottie Barnes, Justin Champagnie,
PF: OG Anunoby
C: Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher
76ers Lineup
Speaking of shorthanded, sheesh. Ben Simmons (personal) is out indefinitely. Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle have all been dealing with covid protocols. Embiid is definitely out, Harris is questionable, and Thybulle didn’t play on Tuesday. Neither did Seth Curry, who is also questionable (foot).
PG: Tyrese Maxey, Jaden Springer
SG: Shake Milton, Danny Green, Aaron Henry
SF: Furkan Korkmaz, Georges Niang
PF: Paul Reed
C: Andre Drummond, Charles Bassey
The Line
The Sixers are favoured by two. I don’t know about that one. Over/Under is 213.5. Perfect 4-0 at this game. I’m taking the under because Philly is lacking nearly everything.
