Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Second chance, hopefully with a different result

The final matchup against the Lakers this season will give the Raptors a chance to win one in California before heading North

The Toronto Raptors will wrap up their stint in California against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. On the second night of a back to back, the lack of rest could prove to be a disadvantage along with the continued shortness of the roster due to injuries. On the bright side, Quickley and Mogbo have returned to the lineup, providing some more depth. On the down side, they’re still missing some manpower. Despite this, the Raptors aren’t being blown out by teams. In their last five losses, four of them have been only single digit deficits, and two of those have been by a single possession.

In fact, despite the losses, this continues to be one of the most intriguing and exciting seasons over the last couple of years. Currently 3rd in assists per game and 6th in points per game, the Raptors’ offensive system is continuing to develop productively. Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett are both emerging as MIP candidates, and their second round draft picks, Mogbo and Shead, are producing far more than anyone could have expected.

For the Lakers, their time with LeBron James continues to wane, but despite his age, he continues to produce MVP-caliber performances. After winning their first three games, the Lakers have gone 2-4, with one of those victories coming against the Raptors November 1. That contest was close, with a mere 6 point advantage giving them the win.

Probable Starting Lineups

Toronto: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji

Los Angeles: LeBron James, Auston Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, Anthony Davis

Injuries

Toronto: Scottie Barnes (Out: Orbital Fracture), Bruce Brown (Out: Knee Procedure), Garrett Temple (Out: Back Spasms), Ja’Kobe Walter (Out: Right AC Joint Soreness), Kelly Olynyk (Out: Back Soreness), DJ Carton (Out: G-League), Ulrich Chomche (Out: G-League)

Los Angeles: Anthony Davis (Probable: Left Plantar Fasciitis), Jaxson Hayes (Probable: Left Knee Soreness), Jarred Vanderbilt (Out: Right Foot Surgery Recovery), Christian Wood (Out: Left Knee Surgery Recovery).

Where to Watch

Tune in at 9:30 pm ET on TSN to catch all the action!

What to Watch For

• One of the biggest keys to this game will be the Raptors’ play in the final frame. It’s been one of the more common storylines this season that close games are competitive, but the offense fails to produce in the late stages to secure a win. While they’re still missing major components of their lineup it’s understandable, but developing some clutch plays and confidence that can help them close games out will be imperative for this season, and moving forward when the team looks to contend.
• Gradey and RJ combined for 64 points in the last outing, with efficient long range shooting the last time around. They were finding their spots against the Lakers, and it wouldn’t be surprising for a repeat performance from either one or both of them again tonight.
• Last time Anthony Davis had a 38 point double double, and was one of the biggest reasons the Raps weren’t successful. They’ll have to find a way to contain him, although with his strength and size and efficiency shooting the ball, this won’t be easy. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a few different defensive options being thrown at him to try and limit him.