The Toronto Raptors are back in action post-All-Star break, riding high with road victories over Chicago and Milwaukee. Now, they’re set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast an impressive 44-14 record, as they return to Toronto.
The Raptors edged out the Thunder 103-101 in their previous matchup, and they’re aiming to sweep the season series against the league’s top team. Let’s dive into the key storylines for tonight’s game, which kicks off a back-to-back.
Who's on the Court?
Earlier in the season, there was buzz about whether the Thunder could chase the historic 73-win mark set by the 2015-16 Warriors. With 14 losses now, those talks have fizzled, and injuries are further complicating their quest for the top seed in the West.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined, disappointing Canadian fans eager to see him play. All-Star forward Jalen Williams is also out, and Chet Holmgren is questionable with back spasms.
This means the Raptors might face a Thunder squad missing its top three players.
Despite these setbacks, the Thunder’s depth is nothing to scoff at. Cason Wallace brings tenacious defense and can light up the scoreboard.
Isaiah Joe is a sharpshooter, while Jared McCain, acquired from the 76ers, has been a scoring spark off the bench. Nikola Topic, making his return after battling testicular cancer, is also getting valuable minutes.
With key players out, the Thunder are playing at a faster pace, aligning with the Raptors’ style.
For the Raptors, Jakob Poeltl will sit out to rest a back injury, which means someone will need to step up against Isaiah Hartenstein at center. This absence allows Toronto to lean into a quicker tempo.
Scottie Barnes is back in the lineup after missing the last game for personal reasons, joining starters Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Collin Murray-Boyles. Ja’Kobe Walter, who filled in for Barnes, has earned a steady rotation spot following Ochai Agbaji’s trade.
Quickley's Impact
With Scottie Barnes out, Immanuel Quickley led the charge in the Raptors’ 122-94 rout of the Bucks on Sunday. After a slow start to the season, Quickley has been on fire, especially in February, where he’s averaging 20 points per game and shooting 44% from three. His hot hand continued against Milwaukee, scoring 32 points and dishing out nine assists.
Quickley’s chemistry with Poeltl was evident, as they executed some smooth two-man plays, with Quickley using screens effectively. However, with Poeltl out, Quickley will need to adapt and find new ways to penetrate defenses.
His shooting alone could open up the offense significantly. Additionally, his pairing with Jamal Shead has been highly effective, boasting a +8.0 net rating per 100 possessions.
Rookie Watch
Collin Murray-Boyles’ rookie season has been a bright spot for the Raptors. With Poeltl in and out, CMB has stepped up as an occasional starter.
His defensive prowess is ahead of schedule, and he’s shown promising playmaking skills. However, he needs to be more assertive near the basket, often opting to pass instead of attacking the rim.
Murray-Boyles has been dealing with a left thumb injury, which might explain his hesitance. He was seen wincing after a dunk attempt against the Bulls, which is a concern for Raptors fans and coach Darko Rajakovic, who is managing a roster light on size. If CMB can elevate his game around the rim, he could become a more formidable presence, especially with his 2.5 offensive rebounds per game.
As the Raptors gear up for the Thunder, they'll look to capitalize on their recent momentum and the Thunder’s injury woes. With key players stepping up, Toronto is poised to make a statement on their home court.