The Toronto Raptors are getting some key pieces back.
Both Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are set to return tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players have been listed as probable to play, according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Barrett was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers before being ruled out. He has continued to work his way back into game shape. Barrett has missed nine straight games following the death of his younger brother Nathan last month.
Meanwhile, Quickley has been away from the team for a personal reason and has missed six straight games.
Their return to the starting lineup will instantly provide a boost for the Raptors. The team has struggled as of late, losing 13 games in a row.
Quickley and Barrett will slide back into the Raptors starting lineup along with Gradey Dick, Kelly Olynyk, and Bruce Brown. The Raptors will have a more balanced attack to finish the season strong.
The Raptors want to be competitive, but they also do not want to ruin their chances at the sixth-worst record.
Toronto does not have a lot of breathing room when it comes to the reverse standings. However with a loss against the Lakers, the Raptors will have a two-game cushion on the Memphis Grizzlies with seven games left.
Toronto needs to remain with the sixth-worst record to have a 46 percent shot at keeping its first-round pick this year. If the Raptors fall to No. 7 in the reverse standings, those odds would drop to 31.9 percent.
Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher, DJ Carton, Gary Trent Jr. and Jontay Porter all remain out for the Raptors.
Raptors closing in on longest losing streak in franchise history
If the Raptors fall to the Lakers, it will mark their 14th straight loss.
Meaning they would be just 3 more losses away from tying their franchise record 17-game losing streak, which they set in 1997.
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