Raptors vs. Pelicans Summer League Game Thread

The Raptors made their signing of Fred VanVleet official earlier today, and they’ve also sent a squad to Las Vegas to compete in the NBA’s Summer League tournament. There’s a nice symmetry here — FVV was once just a dude on that team, and now he’s bet on himself to the tune of $18 million. Is there someone else playing for Toronto who will scale those same heights? (I’m hoping it’s Giddy Potts.)

The Pelicans, meanwhile, are at something of a crossroads. In one moment they had Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, then they had only the former, then they went on a superlative and surprising post-season run without the latter, then they lost Boogie for good. Now they are fielding a Summer League team bereft of any obvious talent (there is no OG Anunoby equivalent there to worry about). They’ve still got Davis, which is not nothing, but the questions are already in the air: how long can that last?

In any case, settle in for this afternoon tip-off as the Raptors begin their Summer League competition against the Pelicans. I should add, this is also the first time we’ll get to see Nick Nurse at the helm of a Raptors team.

Now, here’s the preview from Josh Kern this morning, and some updated details.

Where to Watch:

ESPNU (which is a thing, I’m told) at 3:30pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto – Marquis Teague, Malcolm Miller, OG Anunoby, Alfonzo McKinnie, Augusto Lima

New Orleans – Frank Jackson, Tony Carr, Marvin Jones, Cheick Diallo, Shavon Shields (who really knows?)

Injuries:

Already two guys out for the Raptors! See below.