Lakers News: Tanking Toronto Unveils Starting Five In What Should Be Easy LA Win
The Toronto Raptors aren't exactly trying to win much more this season. Their 13-game winning streak is surely evidence enough of that.
The team's best remaining player (after it traded away stars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby), All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, underwent surgery to repair a hand fracture last month, and remains on the shelf indefinitely. Combo guard Gary Trent Jr., an impending free agent, is out for "rest."
While their opponents for tonight, the 42-33 Los Angeles Lakers, will be able to play their preferred starting five (point guard D'Angelo Russell, shooting guard Austin Reaves, forwards LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, and center Anthony Davis), the Raptors will have no such luck. Just as they intended.
Toronto has announced its first five via its official X account:
In a reflection of the team's tumultuous 23-51 season so far, only one player in this starting lineup was on the Raptors roster at the start of the year.
Ex-New York Knicks point guard Immanuel Quickley and former Indiana Pacers shooting guard Bruce Brown will occupy their starting backcourt, rookie lottery pick Gradey Dick will jump at small forward, Toronto prodigal son RJ Barrett will play at small ball power forward apparently, and 3-and-D former Jazzman Kelly Olynyk will man the middle.
Toronto is a +13 point underdog to protect its home floor this evening, according to sports book aggregator The Action Network. That feels almost a shade optimistic.
