Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Records: Raptors (11-4), 76ers (11-5)
Where to Watch
Date: Nov. 25, 2019
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Sportsnet
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Game Preview
Before looking forward, let's quickly look back to address the elephant in the room. This is the first time these teams have faced each other since Kawhi Leonard did this:
So yeah... you'll be sure to see that play in the lead up to this game more times than the ball bounced on the rim.
Onto the game itself...
Another early test for the Raptors as they welcome in one of the favourites in the Eastern Conference — the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers haven't necessarily played poorly to start the year, but they haven't exactly looked like the East favourites, either. Like every team in the East, Philly has flaws that may keep it from reaching the NBA Finals.
Many point to Ben Simmons's lack of progression, others point to the team's lack of a closer. Brett Brown has also come under fire with some believing he isn't the coach to take the 76ers to a championship level.
The 76ers have also played just 16 games and are still incorporating major pieces Al Horford and Josh Richardson into the fold. There's certainly plenty of time left in the season and nothing that happens in November carries too much weight come May and June, but Monday will nevertheless be a great test to figure out where they stand against an Eastern Conference challenger that appears stronger than most presumed entering the season.
All the defending champs have done so far is take care of business. The biggest knock you can make on the Raptors is they haven't consistently beaten top teams as they are just 1-4 against teams currently .500 or better. The one win, however, was a big one on the road against the Lakers who currently have the league's best record.
MORE: Are the Raptors ahead of the 76ers in this week's NBA Power Rankings?
Oh, and the Raptors are still missing two key pieces in Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka who are expected to be back in the lineup soon.
Monday's game against the 76ers presents another chance for Toronto to prove the doubters wrong or give them more fuel for the 'Raptors haven't beaten anyone' argument.
Injury Report
Kyle Lowry (thumb), Stanley Johnson (groin) and Patrick McCaw (knee) are out for the Raptors. Serge Ibaka (ankle) is questionable.
Furkan Korkmaz (left ankle sprain) is questionable, Kyle O'Quinn (left calf strain) is questionable
Game Notes
- Raptors forced 15 turnovers vs the Hawks Saturday
- Toronto is 11-3 when forcing opponents to 10 or more turnovers
- Raps rank 3rd in points off turnovers with 20.1 per game. Bulls 1st (22.2), Suns 2nd (20.9)
- 76ers average 16.8 turnovers per game, 25th in the league
Last Time They Played
Date: May 12, 2019
Score: Raptors 92, 76ers 90
Raptors: Kawhi Leonard - 41 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
76ers: Joel Embiid — 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks
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