The short-handed 76ers continue a rough homestand against the Toronto Raptors. Will Toronto be the latest team to take advantage of Philadelphia’s sudden rash of injuries? Which team should you wager on to make a winning NBA pick?
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Thursday, November 11, 2021 – 07:00 PM EST at Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia 76ers
The short-handed 76ers once again made a valiant effort but came up short against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night falling 118-109. That game was very instructive to our handicap tonight. It featured many players who do not usually get such heavy minutes in the Philadelphia 76ers rotation.
76ers coach Doc Rivers had to run a short eight-man rotation once again due to injuries and Covid health and safety protocols. The 76ers are missing their two top scorers and crucial role players as Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Seth Curry, and Matisse Thybulle all missed time this week. Curry is a game-time decision tonight but Harris, Embiid, and Thybulle are all out with Covid-19.
The short-handed 76ers are in a tough situation, but the increased playing time for these role players could pay dividends later in the season. Doc Rivers is trying his best to turn a negative into a positive. Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz, Tyrese Maxey, and Shake Milton have all played well with the increased usage.
The main beneficiary however has been former All-Star Center Andre Drummond who is returning to his All-Star form. He put up 17 points with 20 rebounds on Tuesday night and had 25 rebounds the evening before against the New York Knicks.
In both games, the depleted Sixers roster fell short of getting a victory, but the effort and fight the team showed was inspiring to 76ers fans.
Even in this unfortunate situation, the Sixers are battling. They now run a smaller offense but they can still knock down three-point shots. Tyrese Maxey has been stepping up in the absence of Embiid. He scored 31 points in the loss to Milwaukee. Shake Milton added 20 points as well.
These are two examples of role players who are benefiting from increased usage. This experience could pay dividends when the Sixers call on them for crucial minutes during the playoffs.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have had a slow start but have gotten back on track. The Raptors made a splash in the draft when they selected forward Scottie Barnes over Jalen Suggs. Many draft observers had penciled in Suggs as the natural heir apparent for the now-departed Kyle Lowry.
Raptors team president Masai Ujiri shocked the league with his selection of Barnes. So far, Ujiri has once again looked to be one of the smartest men in the room.
Barnes has brought a stellar level play to the Raptors on defense and his shot is developing quicker than draft experts predicted. With Barnes being able to produce quality NBA minutes so quickly, the Raptors are deep at forward.
Now that Barnes is teamed with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors have three athletic wings. The abundance of talent at this coveted position indicates the Raptors have a bright future.
Raptors also field a solid backcourt with Fred Van Vleet and Gary Trent Jr. Both provide additional scoring punch and good defense at the point of attack. The Raptors are well-coached with a roster full of two-way players that can both score and defend. This is a young team that will get better as the season continues.
By the time the playoffs start, I project the Raptors will be the proverbial team "that nobody wants to play" in the Eastern Conference.
Key Matchup
Furkan Korkmaz and Georges Niang vs. OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes. The forward position will be crucial to this game because the Sixers are currently struggling with the lack of size at that position. Korkmaz and Niang can rely on the rim protection of Drummond in their defense, but the Raptors have a serious advantage at these two positions.
The gritty play of Korkmaz and Niang will need to be combined with a strong defensive game plan designed by Doc Rivers.
If the 76ers are able to slow down these two forwards, the Sixers can match the Raptors firepower.
If Anunoby and Barnes are able to score often on high-quality shots, it will be too much for the Sixers to overcome.
Best Bet
I like Toronto today to come away with the victory. Toronto’s depth at forward and ability to play defense will match the Sixers team that might be running on fumes after playing so many games shorthanded and giving their all.
The 76ers should be commended for their excellent effort under the circumstances, but the Raptors are the right play at the NBA odds. My best bet for today is Toronto Raptors +3 with one of BMR’s best sportsbooks.
NBA Pick: Toronto Raptors +3 (-108) at BookMaker (visit our BookMaker Review)
*The pick reflects the line at the moment the writer made the play, the odds at the beginning of this article show the live line movement. Since the lines might vary, don’t forget to refer back to our live odds.
