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- The Raptors are expected to receive a boost against the 76ers with the return of guard Kyle Lowry, who has missed the past six games with a bruise over the cuboid bone of the right foot. Lowry had been playing extremely well before the injury. In fact, he joined Michael Jordan (1989) and Kevin Garnett (2007) as the only players to start a season with three consecutive games of 20 or more points, five or more rebounds and assists as well as three or more steals.
- Raptors coach Dwane Casey said that Lowry will likely come off the bench. “He’s closer and he should be able to go tonight,” Casey said. “We’ll see how much he plays.” Casey added that Lowry had a good workout Monday. “I’m sure we’ll have to monitor Kyle’s minutes,” Casey said.
- Toronto starting point guard Jose Calderon averaged 13.0 points and 13.5 assists in four games last week.
- The Raptors are just 1-4 on the road.
- Philadelphia has won two straight at home after dropping its previous three here.
- The Sixers have always been an energetic team in coach Doug Collins‘ tenure. But there have been games this season when that hasn’t been the case, especially in a maddening home loss to a winless Detroit team at the time. “We had a day off yesterday, and I’m hoping we’re going to come with some energy,” Collins said.
- Collins stuck with Kwame Brown starting at center for the fourth straight game in place of Lavoy Allen.
- The Sixers are 6-0 when leading after three quarters, but 0-4 when tied or trailing at the start of the fourth.
– Andy Jasner
