Event of the Day: Philadelphia 76ers versus Toronto Raptors
Our event of the day is the heavyweight clash in the NBA between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center. Both organisations are a shoo-in to be involved in the playoffs this term, and currently reside fourth and second respectively in the East. Philadelphia have won four of their last six outings, including the scalp of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors last week. Meanwhile, Toronto have also impressed in recent weeks but will have to improve on the road, having won just one of their last four games away from the Scotiabank Arena. The 76ers have turned the Wells Fargo Center into a fortress this season and have lost just five games there all year. They have had great success moving the basketball and only the Golden State Warriors have registered more assists per game than the Sixers this year. Second-year pro Ben Simmons has been key to his side’s impressive style of play this term and has recorded 8.1 assists per game, along with 16.9 points to boot.
However, it is center Joel Embiid who currently leads the way in the scoring stakes for the 76ers, averaging 27.2 points per game and he will look to add to his tally tonight against the Raptors. Toronto have been similarly impressive at the offensive end of the court this season and have been led by new acquisition Kawhi Leonard. The former Spurs man is averaging 27.4 points per game on the year along with 7.9 rebounds and no one in the Raptors’ roster has played more minutes than Leonard proving just how crucial he is to the organisation. The Canadian outfit have reached the playoffs in each of the past five seasons and look in great stead to secure their sixth-straight playoff berth this time round. These Atlantic Division rivals have already met three times in the current campaign, with the Raptors leading the mini series 2-1. However, both of Toronto’s wins over the 76ers came on their home court and they will be looking to be just the sixth team to come out of the Wells Fargo Center with a W this year. It should be a thrilling game of basketball.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FA Cup where there are four fourth round replays taking place tonight. The pick of the ties is Shrewbury’s trip to Molineux as they face Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. The League One side looked to be heading through to the fifth round until a 93rd minute Matt Doherty strike earned the Premier League side a replay after the initial tie at New Meadow but there could yet be another giant killing on the cards tonight at Molineux. Elsewhere, the Winnipeg Jets will look for their fourth-straight win in the NHL tonight as they welcome the San Jose Sharks to the MTS Centre. There is a jam-packed day of snooker in the World Grand Prix today, with the highlights including Jimmy Robinson versus Mark Davis and Mark Williams versus Yuan Sijun. There is action on the ATP World Tour with Gaël Monfils facing Viktor Troicki at the Sofia Open in Bulgaria as the pair vie for a spot in the next round. Finally, Marseille will look to keep touch with the top three in Ligue 1 as they face Bordeaux tonight at the Stade Vélodrome.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA