….RJ Barrett,
Immanuel Quickley,
Bruce Brown,
Ja’Kobe Walter,
Kelly Olynyk,
Garrett Temple.
This marks the second consecutive preseason game where Toronto is missing these six players who will not play in Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics. The reasons for Olynyk and Temple being out are unclear, but it seems likely they are simply taking some additional rest as two of the team’s seasoned veterans. Quickley and Walter are anticipated to return soon, whereas Barrett and Brown may take a bit longer.
On the other side, the Celtics have decided to rest all their star players due to a rare back-to-back situation in the preseason. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porziņģis will all be absent when they face Toronto.
The Raptors intend to field the same lineup as in Friday’s preseason defeat against the Washington Wizards.
Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl will be joined by Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Davion Mitchell. Quickley is not expected to be sidelined into the regular season, but if Barrett is, Agbaji will likely step into the starting role to take his place. Bruno Fernando is set to receive another extended opportunity off the bench as Toronto works to solidify its front court rotation. He is competing with guard Jahmi’us Ramsey for the final guaranteed contract this season. After this game, Toronto will head home to face the Celtics on Tuesday, marking their only home game of the preseason.
Leave a Reply