The Toronto Raptors return home after a winless three-game road trip to host the Golden State Warriors.
Overall, the Raptors are looking to end a five-game losing streak. The Raptors have played better in their last two games, keeping things close against the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers before playing in a tight one against the Detroit Pistons.
However, the Raptors still have to figure things out. Especially on the defensive end. They come into this matchup tied with the Utah Jazz for the 29th ranked defensive rating in the league at 117.8.
The Raptors are still trying to build chemistry amongst their starters. Their projected starting five only has four games played together this season. For what it’s worth they do have a 62 minute sample size together and are -25, so it hasn’t been great. The Raptors’ offensive rating has actually been better, increasing in their last four contests to 111.9, but their defensive rating has dropped to 125.3.
Unfortunately, for the Raptors they might not have their full five against the Warriors as Immanuel Quickley has popped up on the injury report. He is questionable to play against Golden State with left hip soreness. For the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Brandin Podiemski (abdomen) and Gary Payton II (calf) are all out. Draymond Green (illness) is questionable.
Something to keep an eye on in this matchup is the bench play. The Raptors have gotten some solid production from Chris Boucher who has been on a heater. He scored 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting in garbage time against the New York Knicks. He followed that up by going for 23 points and 12 rebounds against the Cavaliers, shooting 5-for-8 from downtown. Then against the Pistons he scored all 14 of his points in the first quarter on 4-for-5 shooting from deep. Jamal Shead has also been playing well lately as he’s coming off 10 points and 5 assists against Detroit.
This should be a high-scoring affair between the Warriors and Raptors.
Golden State Warriors (19-19) vs. Toronto Raptors (8-31)
7:30 p.m. EST, Monday, January 13, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Warriors Starting Lineup:
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Dennis Schroder
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Kyle Anderson
C: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Key Reserves: Gui Santos, Moses Moody, Kevon Looney
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Scottie Barnes
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Chris Boucher
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
