Date: November 2, 2023 | Time: 7:00 PM ET | Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
The Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers will face off for the second time in just six days on Thursday, November 2. Adding to the excitement, this game marks Nick Nurse’s return to Toronto, the first time he’s back since being fired by the Raptors during the off-season.
Now coaching the 76ers, Nurse masterfully utilized Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to secure a commanding victory in their previous encounter. The Sixers are set to host the Raptors for Thursday night’s game.
A Revamped 76ers Roster
Since their win against the Raptors on October 28, the 76ers have undergone significant changes. Notably, they bid farewell to PJ Tucker, James Harden, and Filip Petrusev, who were traded to the LA Clippers. Embiid’s new supporting cast includes Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, and KJ Martin.
spin move: đź”›
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 30, 2023
play of the game | @PokerStars pic.twitter.com/xe5rpLD8Qj
The Debut of Newly Acquired Players
This 76ers-Raptors game will be the first time the newly acquired players in the James Harden trade will be available to play.
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview
Nurse’s Tactical Mastery
It will be fascinating to witness how Nick Nurse deploys his revamped lineup. Nurse, known for his expertise in using lengthy, versatile forwards, seems to have a similar roster with the additions of Nic Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, and KJ Martin.
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76ers Finding Their Groove
The 76ers have bounced back with two consecutive wins after dropping their season opener to the Milwaukee Bucks. Even without James Harden, Nurse’s ball movement system has been embraced by all, including Joel Embiid. However, the Raptors will provide a stern test for the Sixers’ retooled lineup.
LET IT FLY @pskills43 đź‘Ś https://t.co/UWviv5m55N pic.twitter.com/fDkAj0Hmgp
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 2, 2023
Limiting Embiid’s Dominance
In their previous meeting, the Raptors struggled to contain Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With Harden’s trade, Maxey is expected to have more freedom in running the offense. Nurse has already stressed the importance of their point guard’s aggression for their success.
The Raptors will need to find a way to limit Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP. If he continues to dominate as he did in their first encounter, the 76ers could potentially dominate the game.
Odds and Predictions
- Moneyline: Raptors (+295) vs. 76ers (-370)
- Spread: Raptors (+8.5) vs. 76ers (-8.5)
- Total (Over/Under): Raptors (Over 216.5) vs. 76ers (Under 216.5)
Predicted Starting Lineups
Raptors: Dennis Schroder, O.G. Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl (Gary Trent Jr. in place of Anunoby if necessary)
76ers: Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, De’Anthony Melton, Tyrese Maxey, Marcus Morris (or Robert Covington in place of PJ Tucker)
Top 3 Players’ Stats
Raptors
- Scottie Barnes
- Averages: 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game
- Pascal Siakam
- Averages: 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game
- Dennis Schroder
- Averages: 15.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game
76ers
- Joel Embiid
- Averages: 31.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game
- Tyrese Maxey
- Averages: 30.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game
- Tobias Harris
- Averages: 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game
This rematch promises an exciting showdown between two dynamic teams and offers fans a glimpse into the evolution of both squads over a short span.