Game Thread: Raptors vs. Magic updates, TV info, and more

The Raptors are back home tonight and they’re bringing their original jerseys with them. Yes, setting aside the context of a rematch with the Orlando Magic — Toronto’s first round opponent on their way to the NBA title — the story tonight is considerably more retro. It’s the franchise’s 25th anniversary, which means it’s all about 1995 and the look the Raptors had when they first took the court for that inaugural season.

But first let’s talk about the game a little bit. The Magic hit Toronto as the same team the Raptors saw in those aforementioned 2019 playoffs. They’ve added Markelle Fultz, former number one pick wunderkind, but for the most part are anchored by the usual parts: Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Jonathan Isaac, Evan Fournier, former Raptor Terrence Ross, and the immortal D.J. Augustin. They’ve gotten a year older, which in this case makes them collectively a tad more dangerous. But at 1-1, the jury is still out on what that will mean for tonight for the Raptors.

Here’s what we know for sure: the new Raptors will be playing in old jerseys, and we’ll get to stare at this floor the entire night.

As coach Nick Nurse said before the game (seriously? jokingly? cynically?), the whole thing looks “pretty cool.” If nothing else, he’s got to be happy because for the first time this season the Raptors have a full squad.

To get up to speed, here’s the preview from this morning on Raptors-Magic. Below are your updated game details. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet, 7:30pm ET

Lineups:

Toronto - Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol

Orlando - D.J. Augustin, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Nikola Vucevic

Injuries:

Toronto - None!

Orlando - None.