The Toronto Raptors are on a roll, having secured four consecutive victories as they head into a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday evening. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and can be viewed live on the TSN Network, TSN.ca, and the TSN App.
After a rocky start to the season with a 1-4 record, the Raptors have dramatically improved their performance, now boasting a record of 9-5. They have won eight out of their last nine games and currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference. This resurgence is a promising sign as they look to recover from a couple of tough seasons that saw them finish with a combined record of 55-109.
The Raptors faced a challenging game against the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Monday but managed to clinch a narrow win, demonstrating their defensive prowess by blocking two critical game-tying shots in the final moments.
A significant factor contributing to Toronto’s revival has been the addition of star player Brandon Ingram, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in February. Ingram missed the early part of the season due to an ankle injury but has quickly made an impact, averaging a team-high 20.9 points while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. In the recent game against the Hornets, he executed a crucial play to give the Raptors the lead late in the game and made a vital defensive stop to secure the win.
Highlighting his return to form, Ingram electrified the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena with an impressive one-handed dunk early in the fourth quarter. Expressing his satisfaction with his performance, he remarked on the confidence boost it provided, especially after limited play due to injuries over the prior two seasons.
Ingram’s shooting has also positively influenced the team’s overall performance. TSN’s Josh Lewenberg noted that he ranks third in the NBA for mid-range shooting at 52 percent. While his three-point shooting has been less effective at 28 percent, the Raptors as a whole have performed better from beyond the arc when he is on the court.
Beyond Ingram, the Raptors are excelling as a team, ranking in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive ratings—a feat achieved by only five teams in the league. This is a testament to the collective effort and development of the roster.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s game, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles is listed as questionable due to right knee soreness, while his teammate Ochai Agbaji has been upgraded to probable following a back injury. On the Sixers’ side, head coach Nick Nurse reported that star players Joel Embiid and Paul George participated in practice but are likely to miss the game as they recover from knee injuries, with Embiid currently doubtful and George confirmed out. Guard Kelly Oubre Jr. will also be unavailable due to a knee issue.
As the Raptors continue to build on their recent success, fans can be optimistic about their chances as they face off against the 76ers in this competitive matchup. The team’s resilience and improved play underline their potential for a successful season moving forward.