Fading Sixers Blown Away By Raptors

Andrea Bargnani scored 24 points and DeMar DeRozan had 18 to lead the Toronto Raptors to their third straight win, 99-78 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

Back in January, the Sixers thumped Toronto 97-62 en route to a sizzling 20-9 start. Those days are over for the fading franchise.

Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday had 20 points in Philadelphia's eighth loss in the last 12 games. The Sixers have lost their grip on first place in the Atlantic Division -- and are in danger of losing a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The sub-.500 Raptors were the latest team to roll over the Sixers.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)