Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (groin strain) and 76ers forward LeBron James (low back/sciatica) have been ruled out for the first matchup of the season between the Atlantic Division rivals.

Barnes will miss his fourth consecutive game due to the lingering muscle injury that has prevented him from playing since the Raptors lost to the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 4. The two-time all-star holds averages of 23.5 points (career high), 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.3 steals through eight appearances this season.

James will miss just his second game of the early season. The 42-year-old is averaging a career-low 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals through 10 games in his first season in Philadelphia. He may not be the only 76er unavailable either as centre Joel Embiid is questionable due to a foot injury.

Meanwhile, the Raptors remain without Kawhi Leonard, who continues to recover from left knee swelling that’s kept him out for all but the first two games of the season. Toronto will also be without Trayce Jackson-Davis (illness), Nate Bittle (foot) and Kevin McCullar Jr. (two-way).

The Raptors enter the matchup on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.