The Blazers vs Raptors Scrimmage is one of the five restart games today. Here we look at the match preview, team news and where you can watch the game.
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The Portland Trail Blazers will take on the Toronto Raptors in the second round of scrimmages today with both teams having stepped onto the court a few days ago.
The Raptors defeated the Rockets in their first scrimmage round while the Blazers narrowly lost out to the Pacers. Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has been focused on leading his team into the playoffs and will expect them to bounce back tonight.
The Raptors seemingly picked up from where they left off several months back with Ibaka leading them to victory over the Rockets. Marc Gasol sat out the game and will expect a few minutes in today’s game.
Where to watch Blazers vs Raptors Scrimmage on TV and Online?
The game is slated for a 6 pm ET tip-off.
Fans all across the world can watch the Raptors vs Rockets Scrimmage on NBA TV with the help of their NBA League Pass.
NBA TV is accessible through the NBA website and the official app. For users who don’t have the NBA League pass, can take advantage of the ‘free-trial’, as per the offers in your specific country.
In Canada, viewers can watch the telecast on Sportsnet.
Blazers vs Raptors Scrimmage Team News
The Blazers will look to bounce back tonight. Carmelo Anthony has returned to the side with a leaner physique. The roster remains thin with Whiteside and Little sidelined with injuries. Swanigan and Ariza have opted out of the season’s restart in Orlando.
Lot rests on the shoulders of Damian Lillard and he would be vying to take his team to the playoffs with some solid performances in the upcoming seeding games.
Starting Lineup: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, Zach Collins, Jusuf Nurkic
Remaining roster: Jaylen Adams, Wenyen Gabriel, Mario Hezonja, Jaylen Hoard, Simmons, Gary Trent
Also Read: Analysing how the Eastern Conference playoffs will pan out
The Raptors will hope to continue with their fine form this season. Marc Gasol will hope to play some minutes tonight. The Raptors have a settled line-up heading into the restart.
Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam are the main scorers here and would want to stay in the groove during the Scrimmage games ahead of the restart
Starting Lineup: Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka
Remaining roster: Chris Boucher, Oshae Brissett, Terence Davis, Marc Gasol, Dewan Hernandez, Rondae, Stanley Johnson, Patrick McCaw, Malcolm Miller, Norman Powell, Matt Thomas, Paul Watson.
What to expect from both the teams heading into the restart?
The 2 teams sit on opposite ends of the playoff standings. While the Raptors are the 2nd seeds in the east, the Blazers on the other hand have a tough battle ahead to qualify for the playoffs.
The Blazers are in a tough race against the likes of Grizzlies, Pelicans and Kings to grab the 8th spot in the standings. Lillard looks like a man on a mission inside the bubble and the franchise star will hope to inspire the team to the playoffs. If he does, we would have a mouth watering Lakers vs Blazers in the 1st round of the playoffs in the West.
The Raptors have fared well this season even with the departure of reigning finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers. With Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry leading the way, they do have a great shot at going all the way and retaining their NBA title.
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