Matt Tierney - Raptors.com

Toronto (54-26) will suit up in front of their home fans tonight for the final time this regular season when they welcome Philadelphia (10-70) to Air Canada Centre. The Raptors recorded a franchise-best 23rd road victory Sunday after holding off a determined Knicks team at Madison Square Garden. Despite another disappointing season, the Sixers continue to battle till the end, losing a hard-fought overtime game to Milwaukee two days ago.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ish Smith – Smith has given this 76ers team a spark in his second go round in Philadelphia. After being acquired midseason from New Orleans, the 6’0” point guard is putting up 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds a game. He has also played well against the Raptors, averaging 17 points in their two matchups this season.

Jonas Valanciunas– JV is rounding into form just in time for the playoffs. He is averaging a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds over his last 10 games while also chipping in defensively with just fewer than three blocks a night. Expect Valanciunas to get a lot of touches tonight against a Philadelphia team who is thin in the frontcourt and are missing the services of starting centre Jahlil Okafor.

FACE OF THE FRANCHISE

Chalk up another record in a remarkable season for the Toronto Raptors.

In Toronto’s 93-89 victory over the Knicks on Sunday, DeMar DeRozan recorded 27 points, making him the second-highest scorer in franchise history.

The milestone had extra significance for the 26-year old who overtook Vince Carter in the process. “It’s hard to believe honestly. He (Carter) was someone I grew up watching and idolizing. To pass him on the all-time scoring list, words can’t describe it,” said DeRozan postgame Sunday.

The achievement also struck a chord with Dwane Casey who began coaching DeRozan when he took over in 2011.

“He is a young player in this league but he is a student of the game. He represents everything you want. He understands the moment for this team. He doesn’t get caught up in things. I am happy for him."

Of course, All-Star teammate Kyle Lowry, took the opportunity to poke fun at his friend when asked his thoughts on DeRozan’s accomplishment.

“That means he is a gunner. He shoots too much. He doesn’t pass enough."

Growing up admiring Carter, DeRozan now has the opportunity to match another achievement by the former Raptor. Win a playoff series.

#WeTheNorth