Raptors starting lineup 2020: How will the defending champions line up for NBA bubble restart?

Tanishk Thilakan
|PublishedJun 29, 2020

The defending champions have been playing some great basketball even without last year’s finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. But how will Pascal Siakam and co. line up for the NBA restart?

After losing Kawhi Leonard to free agency, the Raptors have not missed a beat. The Raptors were written off by many at the start of the campaign. But with All-star Pascal Siakam leading the way, they’re currently the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a sparkling 46-18 record.

The @Raptors schedule for the @NBA’s comeback is out!

Which seeding game are you most excited for? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bfD6Kc6u0f

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 26, 2020

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Raptors starting lineup 2020: Guaranteed starters?

Pascal Siakam has been able to carry on with his great form and is now the face of the franchise. He is the starting power forward and has made 53 starts this season. He is averaging 23.6 points per game this season. Siakam is an efficient stretch-four and has shot 45.9% from the field and 36% from three-point land.

Kyle Lowry continues to be the starting point guard. The multi-time All star averages 19.7 points per game and also leads the team with 7.7 assists per game.

Who else are favoured to start for the defending champions?

Fred VanVleet has averaged the most minutes of any starter this season, playing 35.8 per game. VanVleet has moved into the starting role this season and is averaging the highest minutes per game so far in his career. The shooting guard has benefitted with Kawhi moving to LA and has averaged 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game. He has a decent 38.80 % efficiency from the three point line.

OG Anunoby has been a great defensive presence for the Raptors. He averages 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.

Fred VanVleet on the Raptors’ chances at repeating: “I think we have a really, really good chance and we’re going to be a tough team for anybody to beat 4 times.”

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 29, 2020

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The rotation has been somewhat similar no matter who was starting at center. Both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka have drawn starts at center this season, and both are averaging 27.5 minutes per game which is the fewest of any of the Raptors starters.

But considering Marc Gasol slowing down significantly, Serge Ibaka might edge him out for a place in the starting line-up. Ibaka averages 16 points per game and leads the team with 8.3 rebounds per game.