Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Where to Watch
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12
Time: 6:30 p.m.
TV: TSN Network
Location: The Field House, Orlando, FL
Key Questions
Who plays, who sits?
At this point, the Raptors aren't playing for much outside of continuity and conditioning.
The East's No. 2 seed is locked up, the team is as healthy as it's been all season and the first-round matchup with the Brooklyn Nets is set. In Monday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, we saw Serge Ibaka, Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet sit to nurse minor injuries.
Could we see a different group of key players sit out this time? A few of the same players rest again?
The question also applies to the Sixers, who will be without All-Star Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season while All-Star Joel Embiid is nursing an ankle injury. Depending on the stakes, Philadelphia might err on the side of caution in what is its
This game could again be similar to what we actually expected from the scrimmages – an exhibition-like game with a focus on development and repetitions for the second unit.
Speaking of…
Can the reserves do it again?
We might not see two members of the second unit set career-highs like Chris Boucher and Matt Thomas did on Monday, but it's another opportunity for someone to step up.
Terence Davis is the perfect candidate to do so. The undrafted rookie made the third start of his career on Monday and while he scored 10 points (on 5-for-8 shooting), Davis fouled out in 16 minutes of action.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made his presence felt with 11 points, five rebounds and five assists but he could look to improve upon the six turnovers he committed.
While the top seven in the Raptors playoff rotation is set, it's key for these guys to see the ball go in to keep their confidence and rhythm high for if and when they're called upon in the playoffs.
Boucher, Thomas, Davis and RHJ each have unique skill sets that make them capable of swaying the outcome of a playoff game. Wednesday is another opportunity to show that.
What's at stake for the 76ers
The Sixers still have an outside shot to overtake the Indiana Pacers in the standings if they finish with a better overall record. Whether or not Philadelphia prefers to finish sixth and face the Boston Celtics or finish fifth and take on the Miami Heat is unknown, but it is something worth considering.
Much has changed since the first part of the regular season, but the Sixers won the season series over the Celtics 3-1 while dropping three of four games to the Heat. Without Ben Simmons, however, things become a bit murky for either matchup.
Injury Report
As of the NBA's Official Injury Report at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11
Raptors
Oshae Brissett (Right Knee) – Out
Serge Ibaka (Right Knee) – Questionable
Patrick McCaw (Left Knee) – Out
Last Time They Played
Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Score: Raptors 107, 76ers 95
Raptors: Fred VanVleet – 22 PTS (6-7 3FG), 8 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL
76ers: Tobias Harris – 22 PTS (4-10 3FG), 6 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.