The Toronto Raptors are in hot pursuit of the sixth-worst record in the league, losing 13 straight. This streak is due in part to the team missing several starters, starting with Scottie Barnes.
Two more notable names include Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, who were both attending to personal matters. However, they are both making their returns tonight versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, Ochai Agbaji remains out with his hip injury and Gary Trent Jr. is ruled out for this one as he banged knees in Toronto’s last game.
Which could dampen Toronto’s chances of securing the sixth-worst record as both Barrett and Quickley contribute to winning. But, they return against a Lakers team that is rolling, winning seven of their last 10 games.
When it comes to the game, the defensive game plan for head coach Darko Rajakovic starts with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Particularly with Davis, who hurt the Raptors with 41 points and 11 rebounds as Jakob Poeltl missed that game and is set to miss this one as well.
Rajakovic could send early double teams at the Lakers center, forcing him to make quick passes out of the double. With the expected assignment being Kelly Olynyk to start, it would sense to double Davis right away.
However, then that calls for on point rotations when a pass is made and that will be the challenge. Getting out to capable shooters in D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves is key because once they get going, the Lakers become hard to stop.
With Toronto’s offense lacking as of late, having both Quickley and Barrett will be massive shots in the arm. However, expect some rust as both of them have not played in weeks, but certainly is nice to have them both back on the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers (42-33) vs. Toronto Raptors (23-51)
7:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
Key Reserves: Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: Bruce Brown
PF: RJ Barrett
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Jordan Nwora, Javon Freeman-Liberty, Jalen McDaniels, Kobi Simmons
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