The Toronto Raptors’ 30th anniversary season has been a rollercoaster, and much of its narrative has intertwined with the Philadelphia 76ers. Their storied playoff history includes some of the franchise’s most iconic moments, from Vince Carter’s heartbreaking miss in 2001 to Kawhi Leonard’s legendary buzzer-beater in 2019. Now, in 2024, the two teams find themselves in an unexpected battle—not for playoff glory, but for lottery positioning.
A Season of Transition for the Raptors
The Raptors declared this season as ‘Year 1’ of a rebuild. The focus has been on developing young players, building chemistry, and securing a high draft pick to add elite talent. So far, they have checked two of those three boxes. The team has made notable strides in player development, with several unexpected contributors emerging from the roster.
Despite numerous injuries, the Raptors have found success in their developmental approach. With key players like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Gradey Dick missing games, Toronto’s secondary unit has stepped up. Names like Jared Rhoden, AJ Lawson, Orlando Robinson, and Jamison Battle have taken center stage, showcasing their potential in a system designed for growth rather than immediate wins.
76ers: A Season of Disappointment and Injuries
On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers entered this season with championship aspirations, fueled by massive financial investments in their core trio—Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. Their goal was to finally complete “The Process” and win their first NBA title since 1983. However, injuries, inconsistency, and an inability to maintain momentum have derailed those dreams.
Head coach Nick Nurse, who previously led the Raptors to their first-ever championship, has expressed his frustration over the team’s constant injury setbacks. Embiid has been sidelined for much of the season, George has struggled with fitness, and Maxey has been dealing with his own issues. With these three stars failing to stay on the floor together, the Sixers have fallen way below expectations, turning what was supposed to be a contending season into one full of uncertainty.
An Unlikely Matchup for 13th Place
Instead of vying for home-court advantage, the Raptors and Sixers found themselves battling for 13th place in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors’ recent 118-105 win over Philadelphia pushed the Sixers further down the standings, marking their 16th loss in 19 games. For Raptors fans, the victory was bittersweet; while the team continues to show improvement, their draft lottery positioning takes a hit.
Philadelphia’s struggles have put them in a precarious situation. If their first-round pick falls outside the top six in the draft lottery on May 12, it will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a significant portion of their salary cap tied up in aging, injury-prone stars, missing out on a top rookie talent could spell long-term trouble for the franchise.
Key Performances and Rising Stars
While both teams were dealing with depleted rosters, several young players took the opportunity to shine.
- Jared Rhoden: The undrafted wing posted career highs of 25 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 43 minutes, proving he belongs at the NBA level.
- AJ Lawson: Another two-way player, Lawson contributed 28 points and six rebounds off the bench, making a strong case for a full-time roster spot.
- Orlando Robinson: Dominating inside, Robinson recorded 25 points and 12 rebounds, continuing his impressive run.
- Colin Castleton: Making his first NBA start, Castleton grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a big man.
Despite their lack of experience, these players have proven more effective than some of their counterparts on struggling teams like the Sixers. Even with limited depth and no true point guard for most of the game, the Raptors still managed to dominate.
Draft Lottery Implications and Remaining Schedule
With the Raptors moving to 23-43 and the Sixers falling to 22-43, the lottery standings continue to shift. Brooklyn (22-43) now sits tied with Philadelphia, creating an even tighter race for lottery odds.
Looking at the remaining schedule:
- Toronto Raptors: The team has the NBA’s easiest remaining schedule, with opponents having a combined .383 winning percentage. Their upcoming matchups include Utah, Portland, Phoenix, Golden State, and Detroit.
- Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers have the sixth-easiest schedule, facing teams with a .470 winning percentage.
- Brooklyn Nets: The Nets, who the Raptors face twice before the season ends, have the 12th easiest schedule (.494 winning percentage).
With Toronto having such a soft schedule, their chances of improving their record are high. However, this could jeopardize their lottery positioning, potentially pushing them out of the top draft spots. On the flip side, the Sixers’ downward trajectory makes them prime candidates to secure a top pick—assuming they don’t lose it to Oklahoma City.
Final Thoughts: Raptors Ahead in Rebuild, Sixers Facing Uncertainty
While the Raptors may have been expected to struggle, their ability to develop young talent and remain competitive despite injuries is a promising sign. With a solid foundation in place, adding an elite draft pick could accelerate their rebuild and push them back into playoff contention sooner rather than later.
For the Sixers, the future is far less certain. Despite their talent-heavy roster, injuries and roster mismanagement have left them in an unexpected freefall. If they fail to secure a high draft pick, the team could find itself in a prolonged period of mediocrity, unable to contend but too financially restricted to rebuild properly.
As both franchises continue their respective journeys, their paths remain intertwined. Whether it’s another iconic playoff matchup in the future or a continued battle in the standings, the Raptors and Sixers will always have history—no matter what side of the standings they fall on.
