Toronto Raptors-LA Clippers Set to Excite in Vancouver Despite Key Injuries

NBA fans are just four days away from one of the most interesting preseason matchups of all time: the Toronto Raptors against the Los Angeles Clippers. The reason for the intrigue around an otherwise normal matchup is, of course, the trade between the two franchises sending seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto and two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram back to Los Angeles. 

Much of the excitement has already faded from the exhibition because of the minimal likelihood that either player will take the floor. Ingram, who sat out the end of the Raptors' first-round playoff series last season, was diagnosed with a partially torn Achilles tendon and is expected to see a delay in his official debut for the Clippers as a result. Leonard, on the other hand, is continuing to ramp up after not playing for much of the summer because of the year-long investigation between him and his former organization. While he has completed two days of practice, the franchise wants to be cautious to make sure he is ready to go once the regular season begins. 

Just because the two biggest stars for each team may sit out, that doesn’t mean there aren’t several other key players to look out for. From Toronto’s side, Scottie Barnes is going to be a joy to watch at all times because of his constant activity on the defensive end. Seeing his continued development as a primary ball-handler may show how ready he is to make the jump into superstar status. Young players like Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Allen Graves are all candidates for substantial usage in the preseason, which may prove to be important when evaluating their ability to handle the ball in high-pressure situations like the playoffs, should they need to. 

For the Clippers, it may be safe to say most of the veterans are trying to prove their worth to the other 29 franchises. Without many draft picks or a real chance of contention for the foreseeable future, several of the players may be working hard this year just to get a better contract with a new team. However, Keaton Wagler, the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft, will be a name to keep an eye on this season. With him being one of the few valuable assets left in the franchise, he will have very high expectations this season. Heading into Vancouver, he’s coming off a 3-for-15 shooting performance against the Golden State Warriors, including 1-for-11 from three. 

Darius Garland is someone who happens to float in the middle of these two scenarios. At just 26 years old, he has two years left on his current contract, where he is set to earn around $87 million. He has work to do if he wants to earn another contract of similar value, and with a fresh start as one of the focal points in Los Angeles, his opportunity to prove his worth starts now.