Struggling 76ers Face Raptors Amid Injury Challenges

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to break a three-game losing streak as they host the Toronto Raptors tonight at 7 p.m. EST. The matchup comes at a crucial juncture for both teams, with the 76ers clinging to playoff hopes and the Raptors struggling through a difficult season.

The 76ers enter the Wells Fargo Center following a disappointing 135-127 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite a strong 39-point performance by Tyrese Maxey. With their current record at 20-32, the team is 1.5 games behind the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, making this game pivotal for their postseason aspirations.

“We need to focus on getting some wins under our belt,” said head coach Nick Nurse. “Every game counts, especially with the playoffs approaching.”

Maxey and Joel Embiid are both expected to play tonight after returning from injuries. The duo combined for 66 points in their last game but received little support from the rest of the roster. Paul George, who has struggled since returning from a finger injury, is averaging only 11.7 points along with 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds over the last several games.

In contrast, the Raptors are in a rebuilding phase with a 16-37 record. They are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference in scoring with an average of 110.7 points per game but are facing their own challenges. Key players RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl will be unavailable due to injuries, while new acquisition Brandon Ingram remains out with an ankle sprain.

“It’s been a tough stretch for us, but we’re working hard to improve,” said Raptors forward Immanuel Quickley, who scored 20 points in their loss to the Houston Rockets. “Every game is an opportunity.”

With both teams having defensive struggles—Philadelphia ranked in the bottom five for defensive efficiency in February—tonight’s matchup presents a crucial chance for either side to regain momentum. The 76ers have particularly suffered, allowing opponents to score 48.7% from the field this season.

The Raptors, who have also lost four consecutive games, are looking to snap their streak and take advantage of the Sixers’ defensive issues. “We can’t let this scare us,” Quickley added. “We have young talent that can step up.”

Fans can tune into the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia, with local radio coverage on 97.5 The Fanatic. As tip-off approaches, both teams are eager to turn their seasons around in this Eastern Conference matchup.