The Toronto Raptors will host the Orlando Magic at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto has been off the last 3 days and they are coming off a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, overall the Raptors have been playing better. They posted back-to-back wins at home against the Golden State Warriors and defending champion Boston Celtics last week.
Meanwhile, the Magic have been struggling. Their star Paolo Banchero returned on Jan. 10 from a torn oblique injury but the Magic have still lost 4 of 5 since his return.
Banchero is averaging 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists since coming back. His matchup against Scottie Barnes will be the main focus of the night. Barnes is coming off a rough offensively performance in Milwaukee, but he has been playing well to start 2025. In 9 games to begin the year, Barnes is averaging 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists.
Both teams have had something in common this season. Each side has been hit by the injury bug. The Raptors have been turning the corner in that regard, but they still have their franchise point guard in Immanuel Quickley who can’t stay on the floor. He has been ruled out once again with a groin injury. Ochai Agbaji will be out as well with a hand laceration and Chris Boucher is questionable with an illness.
For the Magic they fortunately got Banchero back, but they are still awaiting the return of Franz Wagner who remains out with a torn oblique. Wagner is now reportedly 7-to-10 days out from returning. His brother Moritz Wagner is out for the season with a torn ACL. Jalen Suggs who hurt his back in the team’s last matchup against the Raptors on Jan. 3 remains out with that same injury. Goga Bitadze is out with a concussion. Meanwhile, Jett Howard (ankle) and Gary Harris (hamstring) are questionable to play.
The Magic have defeated the Raptors 4 straight times dating back to last season.
Orlando Magic (23-21) vs. Toronto Raptors (10-32)
7:30 p.m. EST, Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Bruce Brown
Projected Magic Starting Lineup:
PG: Cole Anthony
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Tristan da Silva
PF: Paolo Banchero
C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Key Reserves: Anthony Black, Caleb Houston, Jonathan Isaac
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!
