Despite sitting at a highly respectable 9-3 and featuring the star-studded starting five that had everyone doing backflips over the offseason, concerns are emanating around the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s amazing what getting smacked around for the final quarter and a half against the Celtics will do to a team’s vibes. Tuesday night also marked the Sixers’ second 20-plus-point loss in their last three games, which doesn’t overly inspire confidence.
I think it’s important to remember for those suddenly
down on the Sixers or ready to crown Boston that nothing is won in early November. Still, there are areas for improvement on both ends of the court for Philadelphia. The offense has struggled, sitting just 20th in the league in offensive rating as of this writing, taking on far too much of an iso-heavy look for my liking. It would also help for Joel Embiid to rediscover his shooting stroke, currently shooting just 37.0 percent from the field on the season. However, both Embiid (plantar fasciitis) and LeBron James (lower back) are listed as questionable on the injury report for tonight’s contest against the Toronto Raptors. It’s worrisome that those guys are listed as questionable when it’s not even a back-to-back for the Sixers. Already without Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow (and Ariel Hukporti out for the season), the Sixers could be dangerously thin in the front court.
On the other side of the ball, the Sixers have been better than most expected on that side of the ball (8th in the league in defensive rating). The consistent failure to identify and close out on open shooters against Boston certainly raised some eyebrows, however. The rebounding has also been an issue when Embiid is on the bench, which could be a big problem if he’s unable to go tonight.
By and large, though, they should have an easier time of things against Toronto, who have been around a league-average team thus far this season, but are at a schedule disadvantage after hosting Boston last night, a close 98-93 defeat in which the Raptors’ offense went cold in the fourth quarter. While the Sixers’ injury report could definitely be better, the Raptors are dealing with their own injury concerns. Kawhi Leonard is currently out while undergoing the reconditioning process for his knee. Scottie Barnes hasn’t played since November 4 due to a groin injury. Reserve forward Trayce Jackson-Davis missed last night’s game due to illness. In the absence of the two big stars, six Raptors scored between 11 and 17 points last night.
Tonight is unquestionably a good spot for the Sixers, facing a team traveling on the tail end of a back-to-back and missing their best two players. Still, if Philadelphia does end up missing two key starters of their own, victory will be far from assured. The remaining stars will need to pick up the scoring slack, most notably Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Key reserves like Dean Wade and Jabari Walker will have to assume more of the burden on the boards in expanded roles. On the other hand, perhaps the starters are all able to suit up and the Sixers are able to earn that elusive comfortable win this season. Tune in tonight to find out.
Game Details
When: Thursday, November 12, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
