Raptors visit Sixers LeBron James division rivalry, Digi Mart USA News (Philadelphia): The Toronto Raptors face a familiar problem as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time since LeBron James signed with the Sixers. James has faced the Raptors 78 times, playoffs included, and won 60, more than any other player against Toronto.
James owns a long, one-sided record against the Raptors, and his playoff victories with the Cavaliers and Heat were especially hard on Toronto. His career averages against them are 26.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists in the regular season, and 31.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists in the playoffs.
James left the Eastern Conference for the Lakers, but he has now returned East to the same division as Toronto, which means multiple regular-season meetings. He is sidelined for Thursday’s game due to lower back pain and sciatica management, and the matchup will be delayed for the Raptors.
The Sixers are currently second in the East and are built to win without relying heavily on James. He has adapted to a ball-distribution role, averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
Kawhi Leonard, who is out with left knee treatment, is also expected to miss the game against James.
The Raptors will be looking to see whether their fortunes against James change now that he plays in their division. For Toronto, the question is whether the long history of his dominance can finally be reversed.
