Extensive injury reports on both sides will require everyone who’s healthy to step up if the Raptors are going to come away with a win
The Toronto Raptors will play host to the Philadelphia 76ers tonight for their third matchup of the season. After beating them in the first two contests, this game will determine whether or not Toronto will hold the head-to-head advantage should the teams finish the season with the same record. Currently, they’ve both accumulated 22 wins, but there’s still plenty of time for that to change.
Both teams have already submitted an extensive injury report, so this won’t look like previous matchups in terms of starters, or the lineup in general. It might be a bit of a who’s who for casuals, with many of the starters sitting. This could ultimately be anyone’s game. If you’re anything like me though, you will get personal satisfaction handing the Sixers a loss.
For the Sixers, injuries to the majority of the roster and performing well below what anyone’s expectations for the season have led to a reliance on their bench. Quentin Grimes has done well since his arrival in Philly, especially over the last few games, most recently logging 35 points in an outing against Atlanta. Lonnie Walker IV has also been a big contributor, with Justin Edwards, and whatever starters were able to check in trying to pull their weight. Jeff Dowtin Jr., who Raptors fans should know, has also logged double-digits on the stat sheet on multiple occasions. Without health on their side, they’ve struggled though, dropping 13 of their last 15 games.
During their rematch against the Wizards on Monday, A.J. Lawson had a breakout 32-point performance, adding 12 rebounds and a steal. Jared Rhoden also logged solid minutes, along with Jamal Shead and Orlando Robinson. This has been the pattern over the last few games for Toronto, as we start to see more of the younger guys step out and get in rhythm as they have an opportunity. We can expect more of that tonight from them. With the injury report looking the way that it is, Jamal Shead will likely have to facilitate the majority of the offence. Now the question becomes: Will we get another phenomenal performance from Lawson or will it be someone else who takes on the scoring load?
The key to this game for the Raptors will likely be to stop Grimes, and force the other players to score. The other challenge will be scoring, which will require Shead to help get someone going.
Where to Watch:
Tune in at 7:30 pm ET on SportsNet.
Probable Starters:
Toronto: Orlando Robinson, Jared Rhoden, A.J. Lawson, Jamal Shead, Jakob Poeltl
Philadelphia: Guerschon Yabusele, Justin Edwards, Jared Butler, Quentin Grimes, Lonnie Walker IV
Injury Report:
Toronto: Ochai Agbaji (Doubtful: Ankle sprain), Scottie Barnes (Questionable: Hand sprain), RJ Barrett (Out: Personal reasons), Jamison Battle (Questionable: Nasal fracture), Ulrich Chomche (Out: MCL tear), Gradey Dick (Out: Bone bruise), Brandon Ingram (Out: Ankle sprain), Jonathan Mogbo (Out: Nasal fracture), Immanuel Quickley (Out: Rest), Ja’Kobe Walter (Out: Hip flexor)
Philadelphia: Andre Drummond (Questionable: Illness), Joel Embiid (Out; Injury management), Paul George (Out: Groin soreness), Eric Gordon (Out: Surgery), Jalen Hood-Schifino (Out: G-League), Kyle Lowry (Out: Injury management), Tyrese Maxey (Out: Finger sprain), Jared McCain (Out: Surgery), Kelly Oubre Jr. (Questionable: Ankle sprain)