The Toronto Raptors are winless in their last five games — including an 0-4 road trip away from Scotiabank Arena. But they are back home with a difficult test in order to snap their recent woes. They take on the Orlando Magic while still very shorthanded.
The Magic are ahead of schedule in a rebuilding process that saw them land young talent like Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and the formidable Paolo Banchero. That trio, plus a host of quality role players like Gary Harris, Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz, has given the Magic one of the best defenses in the NBA en route to currently holding the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic have the No. 4 ranked defense by defensive rating, but have struggled offensively as Banchero carries most of the load. Banchero is the team’s leader in points, rebounds and assists per game. Orlando has won nine of their last 12 games including a 4-2 road record despite being below average away from home this season, as many young teams are.
Toronto is without the usual suspects of Scottie Barnes, Chris Boucher and Jakob Poeltl as they all recover from significant injuries. But they are also without D.J. Carton and RJ Barrett. Barrett missed Wednesday’s outing against the Detroit Pistons for personal reasons, and it was announced that it was due to the tragic death of his younger brother, Nathan.
Gary Trent Jr., who has not played since March 9 with a groin injury, is considered questionable. It’s the same designation he had before missing Wednesday’s game in Detroit.
The Raptors are in a difficult spot despite returning home, as they are missing so much firepower against a team that already excels defensively. This game is set up to be a low-scoring battle, and if the Raptors’ remaining players can hold firm against Banchero, perhaps they’ll have a chance.
Orlando Magic (38-28) vs. Toronto Raptors (23-43)
7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, March 15, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Magic Starting Lineup:
PG: Jalen Suggs
SG: Gary Harris
SF: Paolo Banchero
PF: Franz Wagner
C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Key Reserves: Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Ochai Agbaji
SF: Gradey Dick
PF: Bruce Brown
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Jalen McDaniels, Jordan Nwora, Jontay Porter
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