First there was a back-to-back against the Philadelphia 76ers, coached by Nick Nurse and featuring the G.R.O.A.T himself, Kyle Lowry, in what was likely his last appearance in a game in Toronto. Then there was Wednesday\u2019s game against Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers.<\/p>\n
Now, the Raptors\u2019 week of familiar faces culminates in a contest at Scotiabank Arena against Kawhi Leonard, the franchise\u2019s only ever Finals MVP (to date), and the Los Angeles Clippers.<\/p>\n
While the Clippers\u2019 17-23 record isn\u2019t anything to write home about, they are currently on a four-game winning streak, and have won 11 of their last 13 games. As the Clippers continue their steady ascent into the middle of the Western Conference pack, they face a Raptors team that is just one game out of second in the East.<\/p>\n
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sportsnet.<\/p>\n
Here are some storylines to consider ahead of the matchup:<\/p>\n
With Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Ja\u2019Kobe Walter all out, plus Jamison Battle leaving mid-game, Gradey Dick was afforded an opportunity on Wednesday night to play an increased role coming off the bench. Dick was fairly pedestrian from three, shooting just 1\/5 from beyond the arc \u2014 and yet it was one of his best games of the season.<\/p>\n
Dick registered his first career double-double, playing 30 minutes and putting up 21 points, 11 rebounds and three assists on 9\/15 shooting. His effort earned him the Raptors\u2019 chain, and led to the post-game photo we\u2019ve all been waiting for: the whole team doing the customary Gradey Dick flex. Tonight, with the Raptors still short-handed, Dick will look to build off his recent success, which has involved finishing strong at the bucket and playing well as a roller. Now the key question is whether he can get out of his shooting funk.<\/p>\n
The Clippers have won 11 of their last 13 games, and Kawhi Leonard has been the engine behind their turnaround. Leonard is averaging 32.7 points per game across that 13-game span, including a 55-point performance against the first-place Detroit Pistons. His dominance is a familiar sight for Raptors fans (apparently it\u2019s been six years??!!) \u2014 but now the Raptors will need to throw everything they can to slow down the surging 34-year-old forward. Look for a mix of sturdy wings like Scottie Barnes, Ochai Agbaji and even the rookie Collin Murray-Boyles to have a go at defending him.<\/p>\n
The Raptors\u2019 stretch of playing shorthanded will continue tonight, with Barrett, Poeltl and Walter all being ruled out with their respective injuries. The team is also likely to miss the spacing that Battle affords them, as he\u2019s doubtful with an ankle injury, and Quickley and Mamukelashvili are both questionable. While All-Star voting is now closed, Barnes and Ingram can continue to make their cases for the team by carrying the load for the shorthanded squad. Players like Agbaji and A.J. Lawson also figure to play \u201cnext man up\u201d roles for the team.<\/p>\n