Game Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

In about 30 minutes’ time, Toronto Raptors fans will get to see something they haven’t seen in Scotiabank Arena in what seems like decades: Pascal Siakam playing real live actual basketball!

It’s true, the Raptors forward — who has been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery — will make his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets this afternoon. He’ll play limited minutes, according to Nick Nurse, and although it’s tempting the think so, he won’t immediately solve all of Toronto’s halfcourt offensive woes.

But once he’s in shape and he and his new teammates are used to each other, this might look like a very different Raptors team.

As for today, Khem Birch is out with a stiff knee. And oh yeah, we’re about to get the dream starting lineup:

LET’S GO!

Where to Watch

Sportsnet One, 3:30pm ET

Lineups

Brooklyn — James Harden, Bruce Brown, Joe Harris, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant

Toronto — Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes

Injuries

Brooklyn — Kyrie Irving (at least he’s not Aaron Rodgers — OUT), Nicolas Claxton (illness — OUT)

Toronto — Khem Birch (knee — OUT), Yuta Watanabe (calf — OUT)