Sixers face the Toronto Raptors tonight

These are the type of games the Sixers should, have to win. Tonight at the Air Canada Centre they'll be facing a Toronto Raptor team that has lost eight in a row and is decimated by injuries and sickness.

Yesterday at practice, Toronto head coach Jay Triano was without seven players in practice yesterday, the newest absentee being Andrea Bargnani who caught the flu, which was also ailing point guard Jose Calderon. At this morning's shootarourd, when asked who was going to be available tonight, a Raptors spokesman said: "We really don't know. We have to see who shows up."

The Sixers have won two in a row and four of six, but have lost twice this season to the Raptors, once in Philadelphia and once in Toronto.

Here are some keys for the Sixers tonight:

*Get production from Lou Williams. Coach Doug Collins said the other night after Evan Turner had his second straight strong game against the Phoenix Suns that some players just feel more comfortable against certain teams. Williams has been the opposite with the Raptors, against whom he has shot just 1-for-18.

*Stop Bargnani if he plays. In the two games, he's gone for 54 points. He possesses and all-around offensive game that gives the Sixers big men fits.

*Get a quick start. When a team is down and out, as the Raptors certainly are right now, it is best not to let them have any life, any glimmer of hope. Put the pedal to the metal and keep it there for 48 minutes.

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