Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers: preview and player stats (Mar 15, 2027)

Head coach Darko Rajakovic said Wednesday that Leonard (knee) is doing individual on-court work and is progressing well, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports. The Raptors are expected to provide another update on Leonard's status in about one week, though it's encouraging to see how he's progressed thus far. Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter are candidates for increased playing time for as long as Leonard is sidelined.

Barnes (groin) is out for Thursday's game against Philadelphia. The star forward is missing a fourth straight game with a groin strain. Ja'Kobe Walter should continue to take on additional playmaking responsibilites in Barnes' stead, while Collin Murray-Boyles should keep starting at power forward.

Jackson-Davis is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to an illness. Jackson-Davis is missing both ends of Toronto's back-to-back set with the ailment. Jamison Battle should handle a larger role in the frontcourt Thursday.

Bittle (foot) is listed as out for Monday's game against Memphis. Bittle has been battling a foot injury for a couple of months. It's unknown when the rookie will be cleared to suit up for the Raptors, so he should be considered week-to-week for now.

James (back) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto. The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

Barlow (back) participated in Thursday's shootaround but doesn't have a timeline to return to game action, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. Barlow has been dealing with back soreness dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Hukporti has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy. Reported out for season.