The Toronto Raptors are in a rough patch right now. They are 11-7 and have gone 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Toronto continues to fall in the standings and drift further back from a Play-In spot.
Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam’s recent play has been noteworthy but it has been overshadowed by the flaws on the team, mainly shooting.
The Raptors are coming off back-to-back loses against the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers. They catch a little of a break as they will be taking on a subpar Utah Jazz team at home.
The Jazz will likely be without Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker who are still questionable from lingering injuries. Keyonte George is out for the Jazz.
Meanwhile, for the Raptors Jontay Porter will be with the team tonight and is currently listed as active. Koloko remains out with no further update.
Canadian Kelly Olynyk will return home. He is coming off a 27-point performance against the Detroit Pistons.
Lauri Markkanen is expected to return to the Jazz for this game and he is someone to watch out for. Markkanen is a player who can get hot.
Scottie Barnes looks to bounce back offensively for the Raptors. He was held to only 12 points against the 76ers.
This seems like a winnable game for the Raptors on paper, but nothing has come easy for Toronto this season.
The Raptors are hoping to get a win before the mini Christmas break.
Utah Jazz (11-18) vs. Toronto Raptors (11-17)
7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 23, 2023
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Jazz Starting Lineup:
PG: Collin Sexton
SG: Kris Dunn
SF: Simone Fontecchio
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Walker Kessler
Key Reserves: Ochai Agbaji, Luka Samanic, Taylor Hendricks
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., Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
