Philadelphia 76ers: 3 must-win games in the month of December

2. Sixers @ Toronto Raptors — Dec. 23

Shortly before their Christmas game, the Philadelphia 76ers will have their hands full with the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 23. This game could have a playoff feel to it, depending on the status of the star players. The Raptors are currently 14-7, boasting the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Serge Ibaka represent their own Big Three as an upstart team beginning to find its rhythm.

Toronto has won three straight games and nine of its last 11 contests as the month of December gets underway. They already defeated the Sixers once early in October, 128-94, back when Philadelphia began the season 0-3. After that loss, Philadelphia went on to win six of their next seven games.

With chemistry issues ironed out and Embiid most likely playing this go around, the Sixers need this victory to show their growth. Embiid sat out the team’s last matchup on Oct. 21. Philadelphia should be a different team on Dec. 23 as Embiid will face some of the top big men in Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas. They’ll need this victory to carry the momentum into Christmas when they face the New York Knicks.