Toronto plays at the 4-2 Lakers today, carrying a defensive rating of 103.9 through five games. Luka Doncic is scoring 36.2 points a night for Los Angeles over his five games.
Defense Meets Doncic
Toronto's defense is rated 103.9 this season, with a net rating of 10.8, but that covers only five games. The Lakers have scored 119.3 per 100 possessions in six. Doncic adds 7.6 assists to his scoring, and Austin Reaves is at 23.8 points. Ziaire Williams is day-to-day with a foot problem, and Adou Thiero is out. Los Angeles is playing its third straight home game, and both teams had one day of rest.
A Rotation Rewritten
Leonard is out, with a listed return of November 23. Barnes has absorbed the load: 41 points against the Magic, but also 34 shots, four turnovers and an 114-121 loss. Barrett is playing 31.7 minutes and Ja'Kobe Walter 27.6. Jamal Shead, Jamison Battle and Collin Murray-Boyles joined them in the closing group against Orlando. The question is whether Toronto can find a second reliable source of offense. Barrett is shooting 22.7 percent from three and Barnes 16.7.
Four Games, One Cushion
Toronto sits fifth, 1.5 games ahead of 11th, with the Wizards (3-3) sixth. The schedule gets harder: the Clippers tomorrow, the Nuggets on November 4 and the Bucks on November 6. By our count, Barrett is six threes short of 750 for his career. At his pace this season, that is about six games away, a projection. A better target for him is simpler: a shooting night that takes pressure off Barnes.
When do the Raptors play the Lakers?
Toronto plays at the Lakers today, November 1. The Raptors then play at the Clippers on November 2.
When is Kawhi Leonard expected back for the Raptors?
Leonard is listed as out with a left knee problem, with a listed return of November 23. Hoopsrumors reported on October 27 that he is expected to miss weeks.
