The Toronto Raptors will be fully healthy when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Barring a last minute setback, RJ Barrett is set to return from an illness. The Raptors will have their full starting five on the floor for the first time this season.
The Raptors have been decimated with injuries. Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl have only played four minutes total together. It will be nice to see what this starting group is capable of when they go up against a tough opponent in the Bucks.
With the Raptors rolling out their projected starting five, this means their second unit could look like Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk. Davion Mitchell, Chris Boucher, Garrett Temple and Bruno Fernando will likely be the ones who are out of the rotation and on the bench. Jonathan Mogbo seems likely headed for a long G League stint barring injuries, along with Jamison Battle, A.J. Laweson and Ulrich Chomche.
With the Raptors fully healthy, the team can have their normal rotation set and properly evaluate what they have before the trade deadline on Feb. 6.
As mentioned the Bucks will be a tough out for the Raptors, but they will not be at full strength. Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton will not suit up due to tendinitis in his ankle. Andre Jackson Jr. is day-to-day will an illness and Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the injury report with a knee issue but he’s probable to play. This game will mark the return of Gary Trent Jr. to Toronto. After the Raptors decided not to bring back the 25-year-old, he signed with the Bucks on a veteran minimum deal this past summer.
The Raptors will look to bounce back after their awful performance against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 3.
Milwaukee Bucks (17-16) vs. Toronto Raptors (8-27)
7:30 p.m. EST, Monday, January 6, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Bucks Starting Lineup:
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Andre Jackson Jr.
SF: AJ Green
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Ochai Agbaji, Bruce Brown, Ja’Kobe Walter
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