Sixers-Raptors preview: DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka could make this game ugly
This game could get ugly for the struggling Sixers. The Raptors have won four straight and 10 of their last 11 games, and their 111.6 points per game so far this season is a team record.
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Toronto Raptors (21-8) at 76ers (14-16)
Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center
Talking points
This game could get ugly for the struggling Sixers. The Raptors have won four straight and 10 of their last 11 games. The Raptors are on the best start in franchise history, and are on pace to win a franchise 59 games. Their 111.6 points per game and scoring margin of plus 8.8 points per game are also the most in team history.
How to watch and follow the game
— TV and streaming: NBC Sports Philadelphia
— Radio: 97.5 FM
— Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers, @NBASarah
Starting lineups
Raptors (21-8)
Stats as of Tuesday.
3 Og Anunoby SF 6-8 6.7 ppg. 2.0 rpg.
9 Serge Ibaka PF 6-10 13.7 ppg. 1.4 bpg.
17 Jonas Valanciunas C 7-0 11.2 ppg. 7.9 rpg.
10 DeMar DeRozan SG 6-7 23.9 ppg. 5.0 apg.
7 Kyle Lowry PG 6-1 16.0 ppg. 7.2 apg.
Coach: Dwane Casey (Ninth season, 335-292)
Injury report: Lucas Nogueira (Right calf, out)
Sixers (14-16)
33 Robert Covington SF 6-9 15.0 ppg. 6.3 rpg.
9 Dario Saric PF 6-10 12.4 ppg. 7.0 rpg.
5 Amir Johnson C 6-10 4.3 ppg. 5.1 rpg.
17 JJ Redick G 6-4 16.5 ppg. 3.5 apg.
25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.2 ppg. 7.9 apg.
Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 89-269)
Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder rehabilitation, out); Justin Anderson (shin splints, out); Furkan Korkmaz (Lisfranc injury, out); Embiid (back soreness, tightness, questionable), JJ Redick (hamstring, questionable).
Head to head
The Raptors hold a 48-36 series advantage.
Sixers’ upcoming games
Saturday: 5 p.m., at Air Canada Centre, Sixers at Raptors
Monday: Noon, at Madison Square Garden, Sixers at New York Knicks
Dec. 28: 10:30 p.m., at Moda Center, Sixers at Portland Trail Blazers
Dec. 30: 9 p.m., at Pepsi Center, Sixers at Denver Nuggets
Dec. 31: 8 p.m., at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Sixers at Phoenix Suns