Opinion
3 min read

Raptors and 76ers: A Collision of Titans at Scotiabank Arena

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to host the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena, fans are bracing for what promises to be a showdown filled with intensity and high stakes. The Raptors, despite their recent struggles, have shown flashes of brilliance that suggest they could pose a serious threat to the visiting 76ers.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22:  Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 22, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Raptors' performance in their last game against the Orlando Magic on March 17th was less than stellar, as they fell short with a final score of 96-111. Their inability to maintain possession, evidenced by their 18 turnovers and a -15 plus-minus rating, was a significant factor in their defeat. However, it's worth noting that they managed an impressive free throw percentage of 93 percent and were able to put up a respectable fight in points in the paint with 48.


On March 15th against the same Magic team but on home turf at Scotiabank Arena, TOR showed potential despite another loss (103-113). They demonstrated an ability to capitalize on fast breaks scoring an incredible 37 points from such opportunities which accounted for over one-third of their total points. This aggressive playstyle is something they'll need to harness if they want to outpace PHI.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22: Malachi Flynn #22 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 22, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back further into their season on March 13th versus Detroit Pistons away from home also ended in defeat (104-113), yet there were positive takeaways for TOR. They displayed strong teamwork with an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly three assists for every turnover committed and dominated inside scoring with a whopping 64 points in the paint.


The upcoming game against PHI will require TOR not only to replicate these strengths but also tighten up defensively where they've been lacking recently. The Raptors will need all hands on deck; maintaining ball control will be crucial as well as converting possessions into points efficiently.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22:  Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 22, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

PHI comes into this game having had strong performances recently; however, it's important not to overlook that even titans can fall when faced with determination and strategic gameplay – something TOR must bring onto the court come game day.


Fans eager for this clash should mark their calendars for March 31st when these two teams face off at Scotiabank Arena at precisely six o'clock Eastern Time (ET). The action can be caught live on TSN or NBCS-PH networks – an encounter you won't want to miss as we witness whether the Toronto Raptors can rise above expectations and deliver a performance worthy of victory against formidable opponents like Philadelphia 76ers.

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