Another missed reunion.
The egalitarian stylings of the Clippers travel north of the border, with (probably) the most talented player to ever come out of the CEBL, Xavier Moon along for the ride. Additionally, they’ll be without either of Kawhi Leonard or Paul George. Most importantly though, Serge Ibaka is back in Toronto! On the other side of things, the Raptors are slowly regaining their health and availability. Presumably, so they can put on a show for my Grandma’s birthday – happy birthday Gma!
3-time CEBL Xavier Moon of the Edmonton Stingers made his NBA debut with the Clippers tonight. Here’s his first career basket pic.twitter.com/JKSsASVsQT
— Brian Swane (@BrianSwane) December 28, 2021
That’s right! Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby have cleared the health and safety protocols. Nurse mentioned that everyone should be available, save for Justin Champagnie and Isaac Bonga – who are still in health and safety protocols. Nurse listed all of Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Precious Achiuwa, Khem Birch and Scottie Barnes as potential starters. So, who knows how that shakes out? The Siakam-Anunoby-Barnes-Trent Jr.-VanVleet seems like it should be an optimal lineup for the Raptors, and they have 50 minutes together so far this season (which isn’t much), but they’ve been bludgeoned on the boards in that time. I wonder if Trent Jr. might be sent to the bench to help bring some scoring pop to the NBA’s worst scoring platoon, and to bring one of Birch or Achiuwa in to bang around with Zubac.
The trio of D.J. Wilson, Tremont Waters, and Juwan Morgan’s 10-day deals expire today. Could see an update prior to the game. Wilson seems the most likely candidate to stick.
A few have asked – 10-day deals for Wilson, Waters, and Morgan expire tomorrow. Eligible to be re-signed if Raps still have players in protocols. Raps also have an open roster spot, though tax situation likely means it’s a post-deadline consideration.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) December 30, 2021
“I think this is our chance after kind of a reset period to ramp it back up.” – VanVleet on where the team is
Odd wrinkle of this NBA season: Nik Stauskas signed a 10-day hardship contract with the Raptors, which was then dashed by his entrance into health and safety protocols. Now, he’s signed a 10-day with the Heat and will make his return to the NBA with Miami. Crazy times we live in.
For the Clippers, George was carrying a true superstar load with Leonard out all year, but in George’s absence, Marcus Morris Sr. has rocketed up the ladder of shot takers. They’re also leaning heavily on an influx of pick n’ roll possessions from Luke Kennard and Eric Bledsoe – who can both be useful in a pinch. But, over a full game will leave you wanting (they’re in the 33rd and 18th percentile). I’m not sure if the Raptors will subject Bledsoe to the cruelty of going under every screen, but they should – he’s shooting 12-percent on pull-up threes this season.
Their offense can often mimic the Raptors in that they spend a lot of time trying to give players the ball in motion – since Leonard and George aren’t there to create – save for Morris Sr. who will most likely see a healthy dose of isolations at the 45-extended. They make simple reads, take the open shots available to them, and try to limit turnovers. As we know, the Raptors like to press for turnovers and transition opportunities, albeit a little less since Siakam’s return has buoyed the halfcourt offense. It should be an interesting mix of offense and defense. The Clippers playing quite conservatively, the Raptors looking for chaotic sequences to drive them forward.
Even with some expectation of rust for the returning players, the Raptors should be able to win this game. They’ve got the superior talent, and if they can keep Zubac under wraps they clearly have the players to handle the rest of the roster.
Raptors Updates
Precious Achiuwa and Khem Birch are probable. Justin Champagnie and Isaac Bonga (health and safety protocols) are out. David Johnson and Goran Dragic are out.
PG: Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, Malachi Flynn
SG: OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Svi Mykhailiuk
SF: Scottie Barnes, Yuta Watanabe
PF: Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher
C: Khem Birch, Precious Achiuwa, Daniel Oturu
This could be way off base. Anyone’s guess really, because this collection of players has never been healthy at the same time.
Clippers Updates
*I haven’t seen availability reported on for the Clippers since their game last night, so I’ll put their lineup from that game here.*
Paul George (UCL tear) is out. Kawhi Leonard (ACL tear) is out. James Ennis III, Nicolas Batum, Brandon Boston Jr., Isiah Hartenstein, Reggie Jackson, Jay Scrubb, Moses Wright, Jason Preston are all out.
PG: Eric Bledsoe, Xavier Moon
SG: Luke Kennard, Keon Johnson
SF: Terrance Mann, Amir Coffey
PF: Marcus Morris Sr., Justice Winslow
C: Ivica Zubac, Serge Ibaka
This could all radically change before tip.
Have a blessed day.
