The Raptors are currently on a 5 game-losing streak and they are 2-8 in the last 10 games. They are traveling to Philly seeking to comeback after last night’s blowout loss against the Golden State Warriors.
The Raptors may have been missing O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr, and others but the Warriors were missing Steph Curry and Canadian Andrew Wiggins. This makes the loss less excusable considering that the Raptors didn’t win a single game out of a three-game homestand.
It looks like the Warriors were missing Steph a bit too much. Jordan Poole took over and scored a career-high 43 points in the absence of Curry.
Raptors: Despite the blowout, there were a few bright spots last night.
Siakam led the team with 27 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. He came splashing from three with 2 threes in the first minute of the game and ended the night 3/5 from three. It’s a good sign to see his three-point shot falling in.
Another bright spot was Malachi Flynn, who finally has things going for him in the absence of Trent Jr. In the past two games, he has scored double-digits in points.
While he has been inefficient outside from his three-point shot, making 4 threes on 8 attempts is a great place to start earning minutes within the rotation.
Sixers: Joel Embiid has been on a tear this season. Coming into tomorrow’s game, he has scored 30 points or more a game in 7 of the past 8 games he’s played. He’s basically averaging a double-double this season with 33.3 points and 9.9 rebounds.
If the Raptors want to beat Philly, containing Embiid will be the main priority.
The second priority will be James Harden, who’s averaging a double-double of 23.2 points and 11.8 assists in the last 5 games after returning from his foot injury. Some other players to look out for are Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton, and Shake Milton.
Tyrese Maxey will be out due to a fracture in his left foot. The Raptors may have caught a break as Maxey scored 31 and 44 points in the two games they played against each other this season.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 7:00pm EDT | TV: SN1
76ers Lineup
Tyrese Maxey (Out)
PG: James Harden, Shake Milton
SG: DeAnthony Melton, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Springer
SF: Tobias Harris, Danuel House Jr., Furkhan Korkmaz
PF: P.J. Tucker, Georges Niang
C: Joel Embiid, Montrezl Harrell, Paul Reed
Raptors Lineup
Gary Trent Jr. (quad) and O.G. Anunoby (hip) are questionable. Precious Achiuwa (ankle) remain out. Justin Champagnie, Jeff Dowtin Jr. and Ron Harper Jr. are with the 905.
PG: Fred VanVleet, Malachi Flynn, Dalano Banton
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Scottie Barnes, O.g. Anunoby
PF: Pascal Siakam, Juancho Hernangomez, Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young
C: Christian Koloko, Khem Birch
Upcoming Regular Season Schedule
Raptors @ Knicks, Dec 21
Raptors @ Cavaliers, Dec 23
