The Toronto Raptors got embarrassed by the Orlando Magic on Nov. 21. This was a must-win In-Season Tournament game for the Raptors and they had arguably their worst effort of the season.
The Magic led for almost the entire game and led by as many as 27 points on their way to an easy 126-107 win.
This was an eye-opening loss for Toronto because the Magic looked like a cut above the Raptors in this one. If Toronto wants to be involved in the playoff mix this year they need to be better than teams like the Magic and the Indiana Pacers who they will see next.
The Raptors are on the second night of a back-to-back and have to try and tame the league’s best offense. The Pacers are coming off a track meet win over the Atlanta Hawks 157-152. Tyrese Haliburton continues to play like a superstar as he poured in 37 points, 16 assists and 5 rebounds.
This is going to be a tough spot for the Raptors. They will have to try and keep up with a Pacers offense that is 1st in offensive rating, 1st in points per game, 1st in field goal percentage and 3rd in three-pointers made.
Meanwhile, the Raptors are 25th in offensive rating, 21st in points per game, 19th in field goal percentage and 20th in three-pointers made.
The Raptors defense which looked its worst all season against the Magic are going to have their hands full here.
Toronto’s bench which continues to struggle will need to step up in this spot as well. They got outscored by the Magic’s bench 56-32.
This is an important game for the Raptors and they need to bounce back. At 6-8, the Raptors are starting to trend south and if they don’t turn it around quickly this season can start to get away from them.
Toronto Raptors (6-8) vs. Indiana (8-5)
7:00 p.m. ET, Nov. 21, 2023
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: O.G. Anunoby
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Gary Trent Jr., Malachi Flynn, Precious Achiuwa
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup:
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Bruce Brown
SF: Buddy Hield
PF: Aaron Nesmith
C: Myles Turner
Key Reserves: Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell
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