Gameday: Raptors @ 76ers, November 12th

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Toronto Raptors are facing one of the NBA’s top teams in the Philadelphia 76ers. With Toronto going through troubles regarding injuries, facing off against an elite team like this is coming at quite an inopportune time. Scottie Barnes has been sidelined for the last few games with a groin injury, but it is possible that he makes his return tonight, which would obviously be a massive boost to the Raptors chances of winning. The 76ers have gotten off to a hot start this year, and with them facing a depleted Raptors team,it could continue unless Toronto can pull out all the stops tonight.

Raptors Outlook

Record: 5-6
Offensive Rating: 114.5 (14th)
Raptors previous results: Vs. Boston Celtics 98-93 L

Barnes’ status for this game will change so much for Toronto tonight, his size on the defensive end will be extremely necessary in controlling the 76ers on offense. Point of attack defense on Tyrese Maxey will be key tonight, the Raptors can not afford to let him have an offensive explosion. They need to be sticky around screens, step up on his threes, and really try to make him a playmaker, which he struggles at. LeBron James and Joel Embiid are questionable tonight as they both have laid management plans in place this year, so if they are ruled out, it makes Toronto’s job on defense much easier.

Size is something that Toronto usually has the advantage in, but against Philadelphia, they do not have the advantage there so the outside shotmaking will need to supplement the paint scoring somewhat. This game will look extremely different depending on whether Barnes plays or not, which we will find out later.

76ers outlook

Record: 9-3
Offensive Rating: 109.8 (22nd)
76ers previous result: vs Boston Celtics 123-101 L

Surprisingly, it has been the Philadelphia 76ers’ defense that has been their bread and butter thus far this season, while their offense has been lacking. They rank 6th in defense while their offense is toward the bottom of the league at 22nd. An advantage they have on defense is that their lineup is just so massive, that they can rebound the ball well, and also defend the paint well when teams try to pressure the rim against them.

When you watch them play, they communicate so well on defense, their team defense seems to be all on the same page, with them being able to switch and move each other out of offensive actions with ease. Individually they do have some weaknesses defensively but they do such a great job at providing help in the paint and in the gaps that it is not felt as much.

Offensively, it has been the Maxey show this season, with him commanding the bulk of the shots and providing the bulk of the scoring with averages of 26.7 points per game on 62 percent true-shooting. He uses his blazing speed and three-point shooting to zoom around screens, rush to the basket in transition, and punish anyone who dares back off of him. LeBron James and Joel Embiid have taken lesser roles on offense as they have both declined physically. James is primarily a connective passer who gets the occasional post up or fast break look, and Embiid has mostly been a screener and working his offense in tandem with other ball handlers rather than isolating heavily like he used to.

Jaylen Brown has taken a scoring dip compared to last season, but he is still a dangerous self-creator that Toronto will have their hands full with, especially in bench lineups. They haven’t all quite figured out how to play together harmoniously on offense, but when the rubber needs to meet the road, they have the offensive talent that is necessary to win close games.

Game Info

Tip-Off: 7:00 PM ET

Television: TSN/TSN+

Radio: TSN Radio 1050

Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena