Toronto is thinner at center than it was a week ago, and camp is using preseason games to decide who fills the gap behind Jakob Poeltl. Tonight's rematch at New York arrives six days before the Raptors open their season at home against Chicago.
Bigs in the Battle
With Trey Jemison III waived this week, a move Raptors Rapture's Chris Lambert and Hoops Rumors both covered, camp has only Jakob Poeltl and newly signed Jamarion Sharp as true centers while Nate Bittle sits day-to-day with a right foot issue, not expected back until October 21. That opening is why Raptors Rapture's Amos Caesar Mina pointed to Trayce Jackson-Davis' preseason burst as a factor in the rotation race, and why colleague Elaine Blum wrote that rookie Allen Graves won over Darko Rajakovic even while in foul trouble during his debut. The depth question Lambert raised is real; who answers it is still being decided in practice.
The Shooting Ask
The Globe and Mail's John Chidley-Hill wrote that Toronto is looking for more three-point volume this season, and Raptors Rapture's Amos Caesar Mina argued Collin Murray-Boyles needs his three-point shot to become something defenses respect, not just a change-of-pace look. Murray-Boyles shot 34.0 percent from deep last season across 57 games, modest volume for a forward who keeps getting fed minutes. Sportsnet quoted Ja'Kobe Walter saying he feels very confident about his shooting entering the season, notable for a guard whose minutes have climbed to 33.7 a night over his last five games. Last season's defense ranked fifth in the league; the shot profile is the piece still being built.
Top Four, Unproven
The Athletic predicted New York and Philadelphia will miss the top four in the East, while Raptors HQ asked directly whether Toronto can reach that same tier. Neither claim has much to measure against yet. The Raptors are 0-0, with a preseason log of two wins and a loss, the widest margin a 148-98 result over Knicks reserves on October 13. The real test starts October 21, at home against Chicago.
Is Nate Bittle playing for the Raptors right now?
No. Bittle is day-to-day with a right foot issue and isn't expected back until October 21, the regular-season opener against Chicago.
Did the Raptors waive a player this week?
Yes. Toronto waived two-way center Trey Jemison III, a move reported by multiple outlets including Hoops Rumors and Sportsnet.
