Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference are set to square off on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The Raptors hold a 3.5-game lead over the 76ers heading into this game, and this game could very well be a playoff preview. Toronto has won two of the first three games against Philadelphia so far this season, but both wins came at home.
The Raptors have been struggling a bit of late, winning just two of their previous five games. They enter this contest with a record of 38-16 and trail the Milwaukee Bucks by 1.5 games in the Eastern Conference race. Philadelphia has gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, and have caught the Boston Celtics in the standings. The Sixers are -5.0 over the Raptors on Tuesday night.
Leonard Enjoying Time in Toronto
Kawhi Leonard was able to force his way out of San Antonio and ended up in a great situation with the Raptors. Leonard has been the best offensive weapon for the Spurs this season, and also gives them a terrific defender on the win. Leonard leads the team with 27.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game but has the capability to carry the offense for long spurts. Toronto is averaging close to 114 points per game this season, and Leonard is a big reason why.
Kyle Lowry is now the longest-tenured Toronto Raptors player, and he is also having a terrific season. Lowry is dishing out over nine assists per game this season and leads a very talented group of guards in Toronto. The Raptors are arguably the deepest team in the NBA, and they routinely play at least 10 guys. Toronto looks like the team to beat in the East, and the Sixers will have their hands full in this game.
Sixers Finding Rhythm on Offense
The Philadelphia 76ers spent a large part of the season trying to figure out how to play with each other. The Sixers appear to have it all figured out, and are averaging 115.5 points per game this season. Philadelphia has been horrible on defense this season, allowing 112.0 points per game, but their offense has been good enough to bail them out on most nights.
Joel Embiid is averaging a team-high 27.2 points and 13.5 rebounds per night and has turned himself into one of the best players in the league. Point guard Ben Simmons still has plenty of work to do to improve his jump shot, but he is dishing out 8.1 assists per game. Throw in Jimmy Butler and his ability to take over on offense, and you have a solid trio of players for the Sixers. The 76ers can get the job done with offense.
Sixers Win at Home
If this game was played on a neutral court, then I would pick the Raptors, but the Sixers have been tough to beat in Philadelphia. These two teams will likely meet up at some point in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and they are very evenly matched. The Raptors will keep this game close, but the 76ers will pull away in the end. Bet the Philadelphia 76ers -5.0 over the Toronto Raptors.
