5. @ Toronto Raptors, Nov. 25
For many, the Sixers’ Game 7 loss in Toronto still stings. Kawhi Leonard, time winding down, drives baseline. His shot, a seemingly impossible one — falling into the corner, the outstretched arms of Joel Embiid flailing in front. Four bounces. Bottoms.
It was a heartbreaking defeat. It also sent the Sixers into a summer of uncertainty, with Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris’ free agent decisions looming. Now the dust has settled, with Butler departing and Harris re-signing on a massive five-year extension.
There was also a great deal of uncertainty for Toronto, who entered the summer with one looming question mark despite the franchise’s first NBA title: Kawhi. In the end, Leonard went home, joining the Los Angeles Clippers and leaving Toronto destined for the label of one-hit wonder.
Even with Kawhi gone, the Sixers will undoubtedly want revenge. Most of the Raptors’ roster figures to look the same — Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam pacing the offense, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka anchoring the frontcourt, and Fred VanVleet elevating the bench.
The Sixers will enter this game as heavy favorites. The Raptors are now a middle-of-the-pack playoff contender, rather than a serious title threat. But the recent history of Game 7 burns too strong not to mark this game on calendars.