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Will Joel Embiid Play Tonight? 76ers vs Raptors: Injury Updates, Lineups, and Predictions

Published 12/29/2020, 4:00 PM EST

The 2021 NBA season is catching heat as teams are playing games in a jam-packed schedule. There’s not much spare time in between fixtures, and the Philadelphia 76ers take on 2019 champs Toronto Raptors in what would be a clash between two promising Eastern Conference teams.

Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Time: 7 PM ET (December 29, 2020)

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The Sixers will be playing the fourth game of their campaign, while the Raptors will be playing their third. Philly has just lost one game so far, while Toronto is winless until now. It will indeed be an intense game, but both teams are hindered by an injury.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors: Injury Update and Expected Lineups

Philadelphia 76ers

Big man Joel Embiid had to sit out in the Sixers’ previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the team ended up suffering a blowout defeat. But he is listed probable for the game tonight, which is a huge plus for Philly.

However, 23-year-old Furkan Korkmaz is expected to be out for at least two weeks after suffering a thigh injury late in the game against the Cavs. He’s the only player currently injured and out for the 76ers.

Possible Lineup

Ben Simmons (G)

Seth Curry (G)

Danny Green (F)

Tobias Harris (F)

Joel Embiid (C)

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have endured a disappointing start to their 2021 campaign so far. Two quick losses would’ve derailed their confidence, which they’ll hope to regain with a win against the Sixers.

A positive aspect about their upcoming game is that all their starters are healthy, which would prove vital against a team like Philly. However, the Raptors too, have an injury concern as Patrick McCaw is out against the Sixers.

Possible Lineup

Kyle Lowry (G)

Fred VanVleet (G)

OG Anunoby (F)

Pascal Siakm (F)

Aron Baynes (C)

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Prediction

This game will be a closely contested encounter undoubtedly. There’s plenty of quality on either roster, which should make it a good watch for neutral fans.

However, the Raptors are running low on confidence at the moment, and the loss of two valuable assets in Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol are hurting them at large. They’ve started off the 2021 season on a 0-2 run, and it is possible that the Sixers might hand them another defeat.

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Joel Embiid will most likely feature in the game, which would add more firepower to the Sixers’ lineup. Ben Simmons is currently leading the team in several statistical categories, and he would look to guide the team to register their third win of the season against the Raptors.

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.

Will Joel Embiid Play Tonight? 76ers vs Raptors: Injury Updates, Lineups, and Predictions

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors: Injury Update and Expected Lineups

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