76ers vs. Raptors: 3 Matchups to Watch

Following their one-point loss to the Bucks on Thursday, the Philadelphia 76ers are heading up to Toronto Saturday for a matchup against the Raptors. This is the second leg of a back-to-back for them after having an overtime thriller with the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss on opening night, the Sixers are looking to get in the win column for the first time this season. Here are three matchups to keep an eye on as Joel Embiid and company look to bounce back.

Tyrese Maxey vs. Dennis Schroder

For the last few years, Fred VanVleet has been the defensive-minded guard of the Raptors' backcourt. Following his departure to the Houston Rockets, the front office replaced him with another hard-nosed guard in Dennis Schroder. The veteran will likely be tasked with being Tyrese Maxey's primary defender on Saturday night.

Maxey was able to take advantage of the Bucks' poor guard defense last game, but that won't be the case against Toronto. Schroder can be a disruptor of the defensive end and is not going to make life easy for the rising star.

As the clear No. 2 for the Sixers right now, the team needs Maxey to be assertive on offense to open up the floor for others. Going against a guard like Schroder and the Raptors' length will be a good early-season test for the rising star.

Tobias Harris vs. Pascal Siakam

Tobias Harris isn't known for his defense, but it is something he has improved during his Sixers tenure. In the past, Pascal Siakam is someone he's had success slowing down. If the Sixers are going to secure a win in Toronto, they'll need another successful defensive showing from their veteran forward.

With VanVleet gone, Siakam is the main focus of the Raptors' offense now. If they are able to limit his production, it could trickle down through the rest of the team. In their matchup with the Bulls last night, the former All-Star had 18 points and eight rebounds on just under 50% shooting.

As far as this game goes, this is one of the main matchups to watch on both sides of the floor.

Joel Embiid vs. Raptors front line

In the past, the Raptors have been a team that has done well containing Joel Embiid. While part of that had to do with Nick Nurse, they still have the personnel to defend the reigning MVP.

Between Jacob Poeltl, Pascal Siakam, and Scottie Barnes, Toronto has the size and length to swarm Embiid. The double teams might not be as constant as they were with Nurse, but their front line is still a major thing to watch in this matchup.

Embiid has grown as a facilitator over the years, and it's a part of his game he'll need to tap into Saturday. Making the right reads will be crucial for him as he navigates the jumbo-sized Raptors lineup.