Raptors vs. Warriors Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

It sucks to burst your excitement bubble so soon before tip-off, but Kawhi Leonard won’t be playing tonight. It was announced about an hour ahead of tip that Leonard would sit again with a hip injury that held him out last night at Staples Center, a game the Raptors handily won by 24 over the Clippers.

So, here we are — Raptors and Warriors — and for the second time in two weeks we’re wondering what we can glean from a powerhouse matchup without a full bill of health. In Toronto, the Warriors were missing the services of Stephen Curry (who’s on an MVP-like tear of late) and Draymond Green, both of whom will play tonight. It was the Raptors who were at full strength for that overtime win, one of their best of the season.

Still, the Raptors have some momentum. Kyle Lowry dropped 21 points, including four triples, in last night’s win, and tonight should go far in securing how “back” he really is. Fred VanVleet had a career-high 14 assists too, most of them setting up a red hot Serge Ibaka, who had 25 points.

The world (or maybe just me) wants an NBA Finals preview out of these matchups between Golden State and Toronto... badly. Unfortunately, we’re not going to get something true in the regular season. That would make a June payoff even better, though, and I’m sure both teams are keeping that in mind as they play tonight.

Now, on to the comments!

Where to Watch

TSN, 10:30 PM EST

Lineups

Toronto - Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Danny Green, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka

Golden State - Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

Injuries:

Toronto - Kawhi Leonard (out - hip), Norman Powell (out - shoulder)

Golden State - Andre Iguodala (out - hip), Damian Jones (out - torn pectoral), DeMarcus Cousins (out - achilles)