Sixers vs Raptors: Can the Sixers Improve Their Embarrassing Defence?

• The Sixers are looking to earn just their second win on the early season.
• The Toronto Raptors are hoping to get back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia 76ers.
• The Raptors won their last meeting with the Sixers this season, 119-109.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors Predictions and Picks

Philadelphia's poor ball distribution and inability to defend the rim was their downfall in their last game against Toronto. While the Raptors probably won't maintain their hot shooting, their defence should keep them more than competitive.

Picks:

Toronto Raptors def. Philadelphia 76ers

Check out our NBA betting bonuses and promo codes here!

Head-to-Head: Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

Injury Report

PHI: Can the Sixers Improve Their Embarrassing Defence?

The Sixers started off a back-to-back matchup against the Raptors with a disappointing loss. While they weren't blown out, their defence was appalling for a team with championship aspirations. 

Toronto got off to a 35-points first quarter in their last meeting, with Philadelphia allowing them to shoot 54.2% from the field and 58.3% from three in the opening frame. 

They continually failed to defend in transition, with Toronto shooting 54.8% for the game due to the number of easy opportunities. Philadelphia dug themselves into a hole in their last game against the Raptors. If Philly can sort out their defensive issues and challenge Toronto at the rim or from three, their chances at victory will be much better.

Sixers Key Player: (F) P.J. Tucker

The Philadelphia 76ers brought in P.J. Tucker in order to have a lockdown defender in place for the more difficult NBA matchups. Based on his last game against the Toronto Raptors, Tucker can really improve. 

Tucker may have been the only Sixer with a positive plus-minus rating on the night, but his offence was lacking. He contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds on 3 of 10 shooting from the field and 2 of 5 shooting from three-point range. 

The Sixers forward struggled to contain Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam through the first quarter of his last game, allowing him to shoot 5 of 6 from the field and score 15 of his 20 points for the game. If the Sixers want to win, Tucker needs to limit Siakam's early production.

TOR: Can Toronto Maintain Their Hot Shooting?

The Toronto Raptors were expected to start the season strong, but nobody expected them to be shooting as brilliantly as they are. While they aren't the highest volume shooting team in the league, Toronto have created good looks and capitalized on them. In their last game, a win over the Sixers, the Raptors shot 43.2% from three-point range.

 They converted on 16 of 37 three-point field goal attempts, while assisting on 32 of 46 field goals overall. It shouldn't come as a surprise, the Raptors are shooting 41% from three on the season - good enough for second in the league. 

The Raptors don't have that individual player that can break down a defence, so they need to beat teams collectively. With six players averaging double-digit scoring, it's a great start that must be maintained to beat the Sixers again.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Gary Trent Jr.

The Toronto Raptors are playing total basketball at this early juncture in the season, with every single player who hits the court making a key contribution. 

While he's not become the iso-scorer that many predicted, Gary Trent Jr. has punished Toronto's opponents with his deadeye shooting. In his last game, a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Trent Jr. put up a fantastic line. He contributed 27 points and 2 steals on 11 of 16 shooting from the field and 5 of 10 shooting from three-point range. 

The Raptors haven't been a great shooting team historically, but their ball movement and penetration creates fantastic opportunities. Look for another big night from Trent Jr., as his offence has come completely within the Raptors' offence.

How to Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors