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Raptors (28-13) at 76ers (13-26): Preview

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:52 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Brian Boake/FanSided via Raptors Rapture

The 76ers have been a woeful team for 5 years, with records that resemble those of an expansion squad. However, they are competitive recently, and won’t be a pushover.

The Toronto Raptors are enduring a 3-road-games-in-4-nights torture chamber. Tonight is Game 2, against a team which until very recently was cannon fodder for all but the NBA’s worst squads.

Not any more – the Philadelphia 76ers may have turned the corner. They have won 6 of their past 8 games, which is their best stretch of positive results in many years. On December 8, they were 4-18 as they stepped on the floor in New Orleans, so they have been competitive for some weeks.

Better or just lucky?

I don’t think their improvement is a fluke. Philly fans have waited two years to see Joel Embiid, and the payoff has been immediate. Unless he suffers another injury (and management is keeping him on a minutes count to avoid such a fate), the monster, mobile center should run away with the Rookie of the Year award. Note Embiid’s Croatian frontcourt mate Dario Saric is listed as the third-best rookie on the ladder.

The 76ers have an acknowledged problem with their team’s balance, or lack of it. There aren’t enough minutes for their glut of talented young big men like Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor; meanwhile, their guards might best be described as undistinguished.

Sergio Rodriguez was out of the NBA for years, but was brought back by a desperate Philly front office to handle the offense. T.J. McConnell can’t complain about lack of opportunity, though he’d best seize what he’s been given. I think he’ll be relegated to mop-up duty or worse once the 76ers find a real point guard.

Nik Stauskas has yet to recreate his legendary college status as a 3-point shooter, and his career may yet go the way of Jimmer Fredette (i.e., D-League, then out). He’d be better with a PG who could drive and kick, allowing Nik more open looks from deep.

3 keys to Raptors victory

Conclusion & Final Score

The 76ers have prospered recently on merit, but also by facing a bunch of weak sisters. Toronto can and will continue its mastery of Atlantic Division opponents. Kyle Lowry, who didn’t play against the Nets, should be fresh and motivated to beat his home town team.

One caveat: Lucas Nogueira’s status is unknown. He took an elbow in the face in Brooklyn and didn’t return. Will the Raptors call up a D-Leaguer?

Raps 117 – 76ers 108

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