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

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Raptors enter today’s game riding a serious win streak. Nothing new there, but it just so happens that this time, it’s a franchise-tying one. That’s right, Toronto could beat the Thunder today for 12 straight wins, which would be a new record. That’s something.

The Thunder feel like they should be better than they are. They have the reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook, a fearsome player in Paul George, the savvy remains of Carmelo Anthony, and some other wrecking crew dudes, like Steven Adams. (That they added Corey Brewer, a classic up-and-down agitator, is fitting.)

But OKC is (merely) 42-29, and in truth, they’ve often played as just another team in the West. They don’t seem particularly threatening to the Rockets, or the (fully healthy) Warriors. They’ve been up and down all year, stuck grappling with the likes of the Wolves, Jazz, and Pelicans. And while they’re two games out of third place, they’re also two games out of eighth. It’s been that kind of tenuous season.

That’s not to say they aren’t dangerous. This team ripped off an eight-game win streak in January; and is in the midst of a five gamer right now. They also remain as one of the few teams to lay a beat down on the Raptors — owning them 124-107 back on December 27. Things have changed for both teams since then, but... by how much?

Here’s Gabe Nisker with the Raptors-Thunder preview from this morning (which, admittedly, wasn’t that long ago).

Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch

TSN 1, 3, and 4 at 1pm EST

Lineups

Raptors - Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Thunder - Russell Westbrook, Corey Brewer, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams

Injury Report

Raptors - Fred VanVleet (right hand contusion), and Norman Powell is available (per Dwane Casey)

Thunder - Andre Roberson