The last time Philadelphia played, Boston’s defense slowed the Sixers to 101 points. Now Tyrese Maxey gets a chance to restart the engine at home. On Thursday night, the Raptors arrive at 7:00 p.m. EST with quick hands, a fast-moving offense, and a huge challenge for a Philadelphia group chasing the top of the Eastern Conference.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 10, the 76ers were 9-3, while Toronto stood 5-5. Philadelphia has had a bumpy few days, with losses to Cleveland and Boston surrounding a 127-point win over Chicago. That makes this game important: the Sixers need to show that their star-filled lineup can answer a tough night with sharper play.

Maxey is the player who can change the speed of the whole game. He is scoring 26.7 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. His blazing first step turns small openings into drives to the rim, and his pull-up jumper makes defenders chase him everywhere. Toronto will try to make every path crowded. The Raptors collect 11.1 steals per game, more than any other number in this matchup shows their defensive energy. A steal means taking the ball away before the other team can shoot, and Toronto uses those takeaways to race the other way.

That is where Philadelphia must stay calm. The Raptors score 116.6 points per game and share the ball well, with 28.5 assists. Immanuel Quickley keeps the action moving with his speed and passing, while Scottie Barnes gives Toronto a powerful all-around force. Barnes averages 23.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and more than five assists. At 6-foot-8, he can bring the ball up, push toward the basket, or find a teammate when defenders collapse around him.

Barnes will have even more on his shoulders because Kawhi Leonard is out. Without Leonard’s steady wing scoring and strong defense, Toronto needs Barnes, Quickley, and RJ Barrett to create enough pressure against a large Sixers lineup. Philadelphia can answer with LeBron James, whose 6.5 assists per game show how often he spots cutters and open shooters, plus Joel Embiid near the basket. Embiid is grabbing 9.3 rebounds per game, and his battle with Toronto center Jakob Poeltl could decide who controls missed shots.

The Raptors have been the more productive scoring team so far, but they also turn the ball over 14.5 times per game. Philadelphia averages fewer giveaways and has more size around the rim. If Maxey gets the Sixers running, LeBron guides the offense, and Embiid wins the rebounding battle, Philadelphia can turn Toronto’s aggressive defense into open lanes.

Toronto has the tools to make this a fierce contest, especially with Barnes leading the attack. Still, the 76ers’ 9-3 record, home floor, and deeper collection of proven stars give them the edge. Prediction: Philadelphia wins.

Tyrese Maxey Sets the Pace as Raptors Visit Philadelphia