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76ers kick off season with high expectations

Oct 29, 2008 - 10:17 AM Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m. EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The offseason signing of Elton Brand has given the Philadelphia 76ers hope of making a serious run in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia hopes to start the new campaign on the right foot when it opens against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

The 76ers made some nice improvement last season before losing to the Detroit Pistons in six games during the first round of the playoffs.

But the acquisition of Brand gives Philadelphia a two-time All-Star forward and a legitimate low-post presence to go along with guards Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala.

Brand, who played in just eight games last season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, has averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds during his nine-year career.

Toronto also made an offseason move as it tries to advance past the first round. The Raptors were ousted in five games by the Orlando Magic last season, marking their second straight first-round exit.

To try and get the team over the hump, the Raptors traded point guard T.J. Ford for the oft-injured but talented Jermaine O'Neal in the offseason.

The 6-11 center has played less than 70 games in each of his last four seasons, but the six-time All-Star would be a great addition next to Chris Bosh if he can stay healthy.

Toronto won three of the four meetings last season, including a season-opening victory at home.