The Raptors will be without All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet for tonight's playoff matchup against the 76ers because of a hip flexor.
In some ways, though, playing without VanVleet has benefitted the Raptors in matchups with the Sixers. Toronto has beaten the Sixers in four of the five regular season and playoff games that VanVleet was out or left early. VanVleet’s absence can shift Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes to point guard, and gives the Raptors more length to switch defensively with essentially every rotation player except Gary Trent Jr.
“Even Game 3, I kind of got away from it a little bit and, like I said, we just got to go in there and attack them in every single aspect of the game.” “You need guys to keep staying engaged, and I think Furk is doing an amazing job of doing that. So I’m very happy with that. Now, whether he plays or not, you’ll find that out [Thursday night].”Matisse Thybulle shifts from X factor to afterthought as his unvaccinated status adds to the Sixers’ obstacles
In the two days since, Rivers said he has not “paid much attention” to how Embiid has continued to work through learning how to play with the injury. The coach expects Embiid’s pain will “come and go at times,” but hopes the big man can remain a multi-faceted offensive player who scores down low, hits mid-range shots off the dribble, and launches the occasional three-pointer.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago to host WNBA All-Star Game 2022 at Wintrust ArenaThe 2022 WNBA All-Star Game will be played in Wintrust Arena, home of the defending WNBA Champion Chicago Sky, on Sunday, July 10.
Read more »
A five-point plan for Sixers success in Game 6 | David MurphyThe Sixers need a plan where they can score more than 100 points. It's up to Doc Rivers to get that plan in place.
Read more »
Doc Rivers and the Sixers vow to match Raptors’ sense of urgency in crucial Game 6The Sixers’ chance at a four-game sweep has now tightened to a 3-2 lead as the series shifts back to Toronto for Thursday’s Game 6 at Scotiabank Arena.
Read more »
You'll Never Guess Who Is Directing The Live-Action Barbie MovieThis wildly unlikely combination of talent and material makes this a movie not-to-be-missed.
Read more »
Mets’ Bassitt Rips MLB Over ‘Different’ Baseballs After More HBP’sChris Bassitt criticized the league for a lack of consistency in the baseballs from outing to outing
Read more »
The ’Jurassic World: Dominion’ Trailer Features An All-Star Cast of Humans and DinosaursThe new ‘Jurassic World’ trailer features an all-star cast of actors (and dinosaurs):
Read more »