UPDATE: Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Brandon Ingram available to play Monday night.
Atlantic Division rivals run it back on Monday night, as the Toronto Raptors host the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena for the second night in a row.
The Raptors edged out a 116–115 overtime victory on Sunday night, with Scottie Barnes sinking the tiebreaking free throw in the final second.
Both squads are riding hot streaks: Toronto (24–16, 4th East) has won seven of its last ten games, while Philadelphia (21–16) has taken five of its last seven. The teams split their first two matchups of the season, giving Toronto a 2–1 advantage heading into Monday’s regular-season series finale.
Several key starters are listed as questionable ahead of the game; here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Philadelphia 76ers
- Questionable: Joel Embiid (Knee), Paul George (Knee)
Toronto Raptors
- Out: RJ Barrett (Ankle), Jakob Poeltl (Lower Back), Ja’Kobe Walter (Hip)
- Questionable: Brandon Ingram (Thumb)
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Philadelphia enters as a 3.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Toronto sits as a +130 underdog. The game’s total is set at 220.5 points.
76ers vs. Raptors Preview
Philadelphia 76ers Preview
The 76ers have been much stronger since Paul George and Joel Embiid returned from their knee injuries, winning five of their last seven games and posting the NBA’s fourth-best net rating during that stretch.
But even when the key veterans are sidelined, Philadelphia can rely on its young core anchored by superstar guard Tyrese Maxey. The 2020 first-rounder out of Kentucky is averaging 30.9 points — ranking among the NBA’s top three — along with 6.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.
On Sunday night against the Raptors, with George and Embiid unavailable, Maxey erupted for 38 points, while burgeoning rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 17 in the overtime loss. The Sixers can compete without the stars, but having George and Embiid — both listed as questionable — would provide a major boost on Monday night.
Toronto Raptors Preview
The Raptors have also remained resilient despite key absences, winning seven of their last ten games while Jakob Poeltl and leading scorers RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram have all battled injuries.
With all three sidelined Sunday against Philadelphia, Toronto eked out a narrow victory behind do-it-all forward Scottie Barnes, who poured in 31 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead added 20-plus points apiece, while rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles chipped in 17 points and a whopping 15 rebounds.
Toronto’s deep, defensive-minded roster can challenge opponents from multiple angles. And if Ingram — averaging a team-high 21.8 points and listed as questionable for Monday — takes the floor, keeping a lid on the Raptors’ offense could become an even tougher task.
76ers vs. Raptors Pick, Best Bet
Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. While the Raptors won Sunday’s matchup, the availability of George and Embiid for Philadelphia or Ingram for Toronto could tip the scales. But considering how each team fared without its stars, the Raptors look well-positioned to pull off an upset at home if all key players for both teams suit up.
