Raptors vs. Warriors: This Game Doesn’t Count

While we, collectively, are not entirely sure what the Raptors did to deserve (earn?) this, they will be the first basketball squad on Earth to take on the new, terrifying Warriors tonight (in 30 minutes!) in Vancouver. As their brethren at TFC would say: it’s a bloody big deal.

Except, OK, it’s not actually. Tonight’s game is a bit of a road show for both teams, and it is firmly ensconced in the pre-season. Which means, hey: win, lose, or draw (these teams won’t draw), the Raptors and the Warriors will still be 0-0 when the game ends. What a relief.

Anyway, you knew all that. You’ll be watching tonight (in 30 minutes!) because — holy hell — Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala will presumably take the floor together at some point. I mean, good lord.

Setting all that aside, you’ll also be watching because the Raptors — our home town team! — will take the floor tonight for the first time. You’ll get to see Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan continue their backcourt heroics, you’ll get to see Jonas Valanciunas’ new haircut in action. And you’ll get to see new Raptor Jared Sullinger out there with his new teammates. You may even see Toronto’s intriguing new rookies — Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam — take the court. (This will probably occur since the starters will not be looking to break a sweat.)

So, settle in, re-read our HQ preview from Kevin Nimmock and get ready for — deep breath, I can’t believe it — Raptors basketball!