Time for the overreactions. In their first preseason matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Toronto Raptors on the road, 107-123. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris and started Andre Drummond and Georges Niang in their place. Nobody looked that bad, but it does show some telling omissions for the upcoming season.

Danny Green and Seth Curry didn’t play much, with Green not recording a basket in ten minutes of play while Curry had 14 points in a flashy showing. Andre Drummond took advantage of his extra time on the court and looked as advertised with a team-high 19 points and 14 rebounds. Drummond also shockingly nailed seven of his eight free throws. 

Isaiah Joe and Paul Reed led the 76ers’ youngsters, with Joe shooting lights out, making four threes, and having a total of 18 points. Meanwhile, Reed was active on the offensive glass, recording six offensive rebounds on the night. Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, and Furkan Korkmaz had off nights, making a combined 7/26 shots from the field.

For Toronto, OG Anunoby led the way with 21 points while top draft selection Scottie Barnes impressed across the board, having a full stat sheet. Toronto held Philly to just 24% from deep on the night on 34 attempts while shooting 44%. 

If there were anything to take away from last night, it’s that the 76ers’ future without Ben Simmons before he’s traded is likely going to be unpleasant. Without Simmons, they’re missing that star power on both ends, but the separation is necessary. It won’t be long-term. They’ll get the right piece eventually. But until then, prepare for a lower level of basketball than we have had in years prior.

These two will face off again later this week, but this time in Philadelphia on Thursday night. Joel Embiid will likely continue to sit out while Tobias Harris could return into the fold for the second of their four preseason matchups.

Mandatory Credit: The Canadian Press