Raptors vs. Sixers Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

The Raptors’ satisfying comeback against the Sixers on Thursday night is but a memory now. It felt good when it happened — it always feels good to win — but as is always the case with the NBA, it’s on to the next game. It just so happens of course, that the next game for Toronto is once again against the Sixers. So... here we are.

When asked how scary this Philadelphia squad could be, or are right now, Raptors coach Dwane Casey was clear on where he stood:

“Any team in this league, if you’re watching basketball, you’ll see: any team in this league can beat anybody,” Casey said. “They get paid twice a month... just like everybody else. So if you don’t have that mindset, even from a media standpoint, if your narrative is oh it’s an easy night tonight, it’s an off night, they should beat them by 20, you’re missing the point.”

It’s a well-worn and appropriate idea — every team in the NBA is one of the best in the world — but maintaining that level of effort and focus is difficult. The regular season is something of a slog, and treating every team as equal often feels silly when it’s clear that some are just better than others.

Still, the Sixers can do damage — even without Joel Embiid and JJ Redick, who both look like they’ll sit out again. They employ Dario Saric, who Casey mentioned specifically as someone to worry about, and Ben Simmons is no joke. There are no easy wins in the NBA, even when it feels like there should be.

Here’s my preview on Raps-Sixers this morning.

Now, let’s get to it.

Where to Watch:

TSN2, 5:00 pm

Lineups:

Toronto – Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Philadelphia – UPDATED - Ben Simmons, Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric

Injuries:

Toronto – Lucas Nogueira (out), C.J. Miles, and apparently:

(Actually, Casey said the dental issue now with Miles is related to an infection, which sounds... not great.)

Philadelphia – Joel Embiid (listed as questionable with back tightness), JJ Redick (listed as doubtful with hamstring tightness), Furkan Korkmaz, Markelle Fultz, Justin Anderson