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

The Raptors aren’t exactly in need of good news, what with their ongoing six-game win streak and the general positive vibes around this defending champion team, but it never hurts to get some. To that end, here comes the latest tidbit: after three weeks on the shelf, Toronto’s big man extraordinaire Serge Ibaka will take the court tonight against the Utah Jazz. Hooray!

As far as narratives go, there isn’t much of one between the Raptors and the Jazz. They meet twice a year and there hasn’t quite been much of a crossover in their personnel. If Kyle Lowry was playing, we could discuss the ongoing history he shares with Mike Conley (or I could shamelessly plug Point Man, soon to be arriving in book form). But coach Nick Nurse said Lowry is due for one more test and then maybe he’ll be ready to return.

The big oncourt news for this particular Raptors-Jazz game is it’s the first time former long-time teammates Conley and Marc Gasol will tip-off against each other in their NBA careers. The era of Grint ‘n Grid in Memphis has been over for some time now (in truth, it mostly disappeared with Tony Allen and Zach Randolph), but it is much beloved — and these two were the leaders of the form. Now, they fight.

We’ve got some extended thoughts from the morning thanks to Josh’s Raptors-Jazz preview here. Below are the updated details.

Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet, 6:00pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto — Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol

Utah — Bojan Bogdanović, Royce O’Neale, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley

Injuries:

Toronto — Kyle Lowry (doubtful - left thumb fracture); Dewan Hernandez (out - right thumb sprain); Stanley Johnson (out - left groin stress reaction); Patrick McCaw (out - left knee surgery); Matt Thomas (out - left middle finger fracture)

Utah — Still none