Toronto opens its Emirates NBA Cup schedule at home against Orlando on Friday, two nights after beating the same Magic 129-99. After that, the 3-1 Raptors, fourth in the East, play four straight road games between November 1 and November 6.
Orlando, Short-Handed Again
Friday is the game that matters most. It opens Toronto's Cup run, and it is the one home date before a long stretch away. Orlando arrives 1-3 and playing its third straight road game. Banchero, Isaac, Suggs, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson are all listed out. That leaves Franz Wagner, at 19.5 points, 7.3 boards and 6.0 assists, to carry Sean Sweeney's offense. Sportsnet built its preview around whether Desmond Bane, scoring 14.5 a game, can step up. Orlando's net rating is -10.8 and Toronto's is 14.6. Both teams come in on one day of rest.
Los Angeles, Then Beyond
After Friday, Toronto gets a day off and then plays in Los Angeles on consecutive nights: at the Lakers on November 1 and at the Clippers on November 2. Those two games are the hardest part of the week on the legs. A day off follows before Denver on November 4, and another before Milwaukee on November 6. That makes four road games in six days, and Toronto's defense will have to carry it through them. Rajakovic's group has a 97.9 defensive rating, and the Toronto Star, citing The Canadian Press, reported that the Raptors are holding opponents to a league-low 102.5 points per game.
Who Carries the Load
Leonard is out with a left knee issue and has an estimated return of November 23. According to TSN, Rajakovic said Thursday there is still no timetable. Nate Bittle, out with a right foot problem, is projected back on November 2, the night of the Clippers game. With Leonard out, the minutes have moved. Barrett is playing 10 more minutes a night over the last three games, Ja'Kobe Walter has played 33.7 a night over his last five, and Shead has added 11 a night as a starter's workload replaced a bench role. At center, Rajakovic told TSN that "Jak is our starter" and credited Poeltl for the league's top defense. Jackson-Davis gave him another option against Orlando, with 6 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks in 20 minutes during Poeltl's foul trouble.
When will Kawhi Leonard return for the Raptors?
Leonard is out with a left knee issue, and his estimated return is November 23. Rajakovic said Thursday there is still no timetable, according to TSN.
Who do the Raptors play this week?
Toronto hosts Orlando on Friday in the Emirates NBA Cup. It then plays at the Lakers on November 1, the Clippers on November 2, Denver on November 4 and Milwaukee on November 6.
