The preseason is coming to a close in what feels like record time. One more game in which the only outcome that really matters is recorded in the injury report, and then the banner goes up, the rings get handed out and, finally, NBA basketball is honest-to-goodness back.
Yes, banner night is tantalizingly close, but, alas, first the Raptors must play the Nets tonight. Still, there are reasons to get excited, as the Raptors will be fielding what seems likely to be their opening night starting lineup for the first time this preseason.
Raptors are going with what I expect will be their opening night starting lineup in Brooklyn tonight: Lowry (who is making his preseason debut), VanVleet, Anunoby, Siakam, Gasol.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 18, 2019
Yes, tonight marks the return of NBA Champion Kyle Lowry to the hardwood, after he spent the majority of the offseason sidelined with a thumb injury. He’ll be going toe-to-toe with a familiar foe in a new setting: fellow NBA Champion Kyrie Irving, now captaining a new-look Brooklyn Nets team that’s hoping to take the next step towards contention in the East. That seems as good a reason to watch as any, so let’s watch!
Where to Watch
TSN, 7:30 p.m. EST
Lineups
Toronto — Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Brooklyn — Kyrie Irving, Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, Rodions Kurucs, Jarrett Allen
Injuries
Toronto — Patrick McCaw (knee — out), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin — out)