The Toronto Raptors’ five-game homestand rolls on against the San Antonio Spurs.
Toronto is looking to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. It was a good test for a rebuilding Raptors team but now have a bounce-back opportunity.
Storied rookie Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs make their only trip to Canada. San Antonio is currently on a seven-game losing streak, recently losing to the Brooklyn Nets, 123-103.
Nov. 5 was the last matchup between the two in Texas, where it was an overtime thriller. Toronto came back from a 22-point deficit to win 123-116.
The Raptors look a lot different now as Scottie Barnes put up 30 points and 11 rebounds, O.G. Anunoby and Dennis Schroder chipped in with 24 points. While Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins scored 20 or more points.
Toronto is favored in this matchup as a 6.5 point favorite, due in part to the team possessing more proven young talent. This will be a chance for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to rebound from a rough shooting outing against the Cavaliers.
Both teams allow more points than scored, so whoever can get their offense clicking first may bode well for chances of winning. The Raptors are not a particularly strong three-point shooting team, which may cause issues for driving lanes with Wembanyama occupying the rim.
Either Toronto will have to depend on positive regression and trust their shooting to get Wembanyama out of the paint or be strategic with their drives.
Wembanyama is averaging 20.2 points, 10 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.4 steals in his last 10 games. Jakob Poeltl will certainly have his hands full guarding the 7’4″ center but has to meet him with force.
Shutting off that valve for the Spurs will be key for Toronto as the French rookie is the head of the snake.
San Antonio Spurs (10-43) vs. Toronto Raptors (19-34)
7:30 p.m. ET, Monday, February 12, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Spurs Starting Lineup:
PG: Tre Jones
SG: Devin Vassell
SF: Julian Champagnie
PF: Jeremy Sochan
C: Victor Wembanyama
Key Reserves: Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown
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