The Toronto Raptors are on the second night of a back-to-back as they travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.
Toronto came off their first win of the season on Friday, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-107.
The Raptors needed to bounce back and did, granted against a Sixers team that was without Paul George and Joel Embiid. But, picking up a win where they essentially led the entire time was impressive.
However, it does not get easier as they head into the Target Center to take on what is projected to be a top team in the Western Conference.
Minnesota is coming off a thrilling road win against the Sacramento Kings, winning 117-115. Notably, both Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle both dropped 30 points, plus Naz Reid chipped in with 19 points and 13 rebounds from off the bench.
Outside of those three, no one else was in double figures. Through two games, the Timberwolves have established a heavy reliance on Edwards. Which is not a bad thing given how talented their young star is.
For Toronto, they need to limit Minnesota from having other players join the party. While the Kings were able to only allow three players in double figures, the Raptors cannot allow two 30-point performances.
Although, it is going to be a daunting task seeing how this is the Timberwolves home opener. Also, the Raptors will still be without Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (back) and Ja’Kobe Walter (shoulder) and Immanuel Quickley (pelvis). RJ Barrett (shoulder) is questionable.
In order to pull of the upset, Scottie Barnes needs to build off his 27-point performance on Friday. As a No. 1 option, he needs to continuously stack these high volume offensive numbers.
However, a player like Gradey Dick needs to bounce back from a poor shooting performance against Philadelphia.
Toronto Raptors (1-1) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1)
8:00 p.m. EST, Friday, October 26, 2024
Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mithell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: Ochai Agbaji
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead, Bruno Fernando
Projected Timberwolves Starting Lineup:
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Julius Randle
C: Rudy Gobert
Key Reserves: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
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