The Toronto Raptors are back in action to take on the streaking Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto is coming off a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, 101-94. Which was a low scoring affair for the Raptors as they shot 39.5 percent from the field.
However, Scottie Barnes made his return to the lineup after what looked to be a significant foot injury. Now, he is looking to pick up where he left off against a great Houston defense.
The Rockets are the third seed in the Western Conference and recently manhandled the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-113.
It is going to be a daunting task for Toronto as former Raptors guard Fred Van Vleet is not shy about getting shots up, in addition to Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.
The Raptors remain without Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown. Poeltl’s presence is going to be missed as Sengun can be a handful.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic opted to go with Jonathan Mogbo and Barnes as his starting frontcourt with RJ Barrett out last game. But expect Kelly Olynyk or Chris Boucher to see a bit more minutes to offer Toronto more size.
Lastly, Toronto’s offense is going to be tested as they lack weapons and the Rockets have a superb defense. Unfortunately, if the Raptors get off to a slow start offensively, Houston may pounce on them early.
Houston Rockets (18-9) vs. Toronto Raptors (7-21)
6:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, December 22, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Rockets Starting Lineup:
PG: Fred Van Vleet
SG: Jalen Green
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
C: Alperen Sengun
Key Reserves: Amen Thompson, Aaron Holiday, Reed Sheppard
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Ja’Kobe Walter
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Davion Mitchell, Jamal Shead, Jonthan Mogbo
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