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76ers entertain Raptors in south Philly

Jan 7, 2012 - 3:57 PM (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia 76ers look to maintain their slight lead atop the Atlantic Division standings when they entertain the Toronto Raptors tonight from Wells Fargo Center.

The Sixers have won three in a row and four of five games to take center stage in the division and are coming off last night's 96-73 win over the Detroit Pistons in their home opener. Jodie Meeks scored 17 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and Spencer Hawes put forth another double-double effort with 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Sixers, who got a four-game homestand off to a good start and haven't won their first two games as the host since 2006-07.

"Basketball is an amazing game," said 76ers coach Doug Collins. "I told our guys afterwards, 'You can go from the depths of despair as a player, and in two minutes be back on top of your game. Jodie Meeks was unbelievable tonight and he has really struggled for us early this year. to see him do what he did tonight was so gratifying because he is such a huge part of what we do."

Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young added 16 and 15 points, respectively, in a winning effort. Young was able to contribute despite an injured right hand. Philadelphia was the last team in the league to play its home opener and took advantage of a hobbled Pistons team that was without top scorers Ben Gordon and Rodney Stuckey.

The 76ers will also host Indiana and Sacramento on the residency.

Toronto had a modest two-game winning streak come to an end with Friday's 97-85 setback versus the New Jersey Nets at Air Canada Centre. Jose Calderon netted a season-best 19 points and had eight assists, while Andrea Bargnani scored 17 points in a losing cause.

"This season is such a different season," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said. "You throw all the conventional wisdom out the window and prepare as you go."

The Raptors were without guard Jerryd Bayless because of a sprained ankle and he's questionable for tonight. They are playing seven games in nine days.

Toronto and Philadelphia split four meetings a year ago, The Raptors have won six of the last nine meetings with the Sixers, losers in eight of the previous 11 matchups as the host in this series.