The Toronto Raptors are facing another shorthanded affair with even more injury issues, as Dennis Schroder has been downgraded to questionable with knee soreness. The Raptors are set to face the championship-contending Milwaukee Bucks.
Schroder joins OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. on the injury report, both of whom are listed as doubtful with injuries that held them out of Monday’s comeback win against the Washington Wizards. Injuries are becoming an early theme for Raptors despite a solid 5-5 start to the season.
If Schroder is ultimately ruled out with Trent and Anunoby, it drastically changes how the Raptors look outside of Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam. Barnes has done a great job leading the Raptors thus far this season, but would need a particularly special performance.
The Raptors may have caught a but of a break however, as Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out with a calf injury. Jae Crowder will also be out for Milwaukee. He will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks after undergoing surgery
These two teams last met on Nov. 1 with full health on both sides, and the Raptors took care of business with a 130-111 victory that saw them win the first quarter by 13 points. The entire Raptors starting lineup finished in double figures, led by 26 points from Siakam.
The Bucks were largely held in check despite relatively efficient shooting numbers. But the battle on the glass is where the Raptors separated themselves, winning 50-29. Anunoby and Schroder are quality rebounders for their positions, meaning Siakam, Barnes and Jakob Poeltl will have to make up for their absences on the boards.
Toronto Raptors (5-5) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (6-4)
7:30 p.m. ET, Nov. 15, 2023
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: SportsNet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Malachi Flynn
SG: Otto Porter Jr.
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Gradey Dick, Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher
Projected Bucks Starting Lineup:
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, Cam Payne, MarJon Beauchamp
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