The Raptors look to get back in the win column after suffering back-to-back losses.
The Toronto Raptors suffered their second straight loss in a 130-120 defeat to the Orlando Magic in the Kia Center. Brandon Ingram was the only Raptor to score 20 or more points in the contest, contributing 35 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the three-point line. The Magic, however, saw four starters record at least 20 points, led by Desmond Bane, who added 32 points on 11-for-15 shooting and 7-for-10 from three.
Toronto’s poor three-point shooting was again exploited in this highly contested battle. While the Raptors were unable to match Orlando’s physicality, they made 10 fewer three-pointers than the Magic, on 25% compared to their 50%. To compete with the top-tier teams in today’s NBA, it will be nearly impossible for the Raptors to contend, let alone win a playoff series, as one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league.
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) | © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
After the back-to-back losses, the Raptors need to look forward to their next game, which comes Sunday night at 6:00 PM EST against the Utah Jazz in the first of a five-game homestand. The two losses have pushed the Raptors back to tied for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers, so every game counts for securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Ahead of Sunday’s game in Scotiabank Arena, Toronto released its first official injury report.
Jakob Poeltl remains the lone Raptor on the injury report, as he continues to manage his lower back strain. Chucky Hepburn is also out with the G-League assignment.
There is still no timetable for return for Poeltl, who returned to Toronto for practice earlier in the week. He continues to receive specialized treatment in hopes to potentially return to the lineup soon, but is likely considered week-to-week rather than day-to-day. In his absence, Raptors fans have seen the rise of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, whose consistent defensive prowess has been on display on a nightly basis.
The selection for this year’s Rising Stars Game has shown his bright potential in the past couple of months, and he will be a valuable asset for years to come. Even with his impact, it’s clear that the Raptors lack significant front-court depth, specifically in terms of size and physicality in the paint, which Poeltl can provide once he returns.
Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) | © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The NBA trade deadline is just five days away, and with continued speculation of superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo on the move, it is yet to be seen whether the Raptors will target the much-needed depth down low or wait until the offseason to alter the roster.