Raptors vs. Pistons Game Thread: We’re live from the ACC

The preseason is almost over, but the Raptors and Pistons still need to play tonight. (Then another week must elapse, and one more Raps game, and then we’ll be ready for the regular season.

For both teams, there’s something of a youth revolution going on. The Raptors are trying to see what they have with their young guys — led by Norman Powell, but followed quickly by Delon Wright, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl, and Bruno Caboclo. (To say nothing of OG Anunoby, Alfonzo McKinnie, and sure, why not, Lucas Nogueira too.) The Pistons meanwhile are giving some run to Luke Kennard, Henry Ellenson, and Stanley Johnson. There are old(er) heads on both teams, but the preseason is a time for learning.

Before the game coach Dwane Casey said there are some preseasons you wish were shorter, and others you wish were longer. He described this one as the latter. The Raptors are still figuring things out and there just doesn’t seem to be enough time. Even if we’re over here still waiting desperately for the regular season to just start already.

Where to Watch:

TSN at 7pm

Starters:

Raptors - Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Pistons - Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, Stanley Johnson, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond.

Injuries:

Raptors - Casey says everyone is available. (Except Malcolm Miller.)

Pistons - Bradley and Drummond are listed as day-to-day (the latter with pink-eye!), so who knows. (Update: Drummond will play.) Same goes for Dwight Buycks and Langston Galloway.

Update: The official update is there are no inactive Pistons players.

Our full preview is here.