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Coming off one of the great franchise wins against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday (okay, maybe not, but it was a nice way to start real basketball), the Raptors are in Calgary tonight to play the Denver Nuggets.
Now, most of the focus coming in will be on the preseason (and Canadian) debut of Nuggets first round draft pick Jamal Murray. It’ll also be a first look at Mike Malone, the great DeMarcus Cousins whisperer, as head coach of what should be a feisty Denver squad.
On the Raptors side, we continue to seek answers about the team’s makeup come opening night. Some of that will have to wait, though, as DeMarre Carroll and Jared Sullinger will both rest tonight -- the former for general rest, the latter with foot soreness. Who will step in, you ask?
Patterson and Caboclo join Lowry, DeRozan and JV in the starting lineup tonight vs. Denver from the Scotiabank Saddledome. #rtz
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) October 4, 2016
Yes, as in BRUNO Caboclo. It’s incredibly lit.
Also, we’ll probably see more of local heroes Norman Powell and Pascal Siakam off the bench, as well as #ProveEm time for Terrence Ross, who did some nice offensive things on Saturday night.
It’s not a sexy matchup, and it’s on pretty late, but there are reasons to be there for the Raptors. We march toward the regular season, hand in hand.
And, all that said, it is cool to see Raptors basketball at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the first time in 20 years. That’s something. Check out Stephen Campbell’s preview then get into the comments.