The great thing about NBA schedule launch day, a jam-packed 80-game announcement per group (the opposite two video games will likely be decided based mostly on NBA Cup play), is that regardless of how good or unhealthy your squad is perhaps, there are at all times matchups price delivering for.
Followers get able to scour the calendar and circle dates to regulate no matter what outcomes lie forward.
The Toronto Raptors, for example, are probably no person’s favorite to hoist a Larry O’Brien trophy this season as they observe up a 2023-24 marketing campaign that consisted of a participant firesale, extra accidents than I care to listing and a 25-57 report that was their worst in over a decade. However even in any case that, it doesn’t imply there gained’t be video games this season which have juice to them.
Particularly contemplating the actual fact it’ll be the Raptors’ thirtieth anniversary season. Though the group has remained tight-lipped on particulars surrounding celebrations, they did unveil a commemorative brand together with an announcement that talked about “a dedication to a year-long calendar of particular moments and occasions honouring the tradition, the town and the icons that uplifted the Toronto Raptors.”
The season could also be full of journeys down reminiscence lane, reminiscing of days within the rearview, however the future is now and it’s time to see what a brand new period of basketball in Toronto holds.
So with expectations low and need for pleasure excessive, listed here are the highest video games to observe all through Toronto’s 2024-25 NBA season.
Opening nightOct. 23 — Cavaliers @ Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET
The slate gained’t be a lot cleaner for the Raptors this yr than a 0-0 report and a house crowd stuffed with re-energized followers as they welcome in Cleveland.
Even for a non-title contending squad, opening evening is commonly full of pleasure and a glimmer of hope that if issues go properly to start out the season, possibly they may shock folks. As false as that hope typically tends to be — like when the Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves to open final yr — it’s hope nonetheless, one thing followers of a rebuilding group want most.
“They needed to win tonight?!”Nov. 11 — Raptors @ Lakers at 9:30 p.m. ET
All through the doldrums of the Raptors’ 2023-24 season was a January recreation in Los Angeles that to many was both a lowlight or spotlight of the yr relying on what you selected to concentrate on.
The Raptors misplaced a spirited 132-131 ball recreation to the Lakers that was marred by a 36-13 free throw disparity in favour of Los Angeles. The hole was even higher within the fourth quarter, because the Lakers shot 23 freebies in comparison with simply two for the Raptors. Notably, Anthony Davis took 11 free throws within the ultimate body as he scored 20 as a part of a 41-point efficiency.
After the sport, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic had arguably some of the animated rants we’ve ever seen from a bench boss, describing the proceedings as “outrageous” and a “disgrace for the referees,” amongst different issues whereas pounding the desk as he spoke.
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Now it was hardly a turning level within the season, however to see the often mild-mannered Rajakovic stick up for his gamers like that, it did present a facet beforehand unseen.
We don’t but know if Ben Taylor and his officiating crew plan to make an encore efficiency in Los Angeles for this matchup, however both method, the Raptors will look to pay again their coach’s tirade — which earned him a $25,000 superb — with a win this time round.
It’ll even be the Raptors’ second, and ultimate, common season contest in opposition to LeBron James and firm, after taking over the Lakers in Toronto lower than two weeks prior.
Though James typically appears ageless, his time within the NBA seems to be nearing its finish. Might this be the final time we see the NBA’s all-time main scorer face off in opposition to a franchise he tormented for many of his profession?
The NBA Emirates Cup beginsNov. 12 — Raptors @ Bucks at 8 p.m. ET
It is probably not a Larry O’Brien, however the NBA Cup continues to be {hardware} on the finish of the day. And the Raptors start their probability for the trophy by taking over a gaggle that features the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Warmth and Milwaukee Bucks.
Toronto will hope for a greater displaying than final yr, profitable only one recreation throughout the group stage of the inaugural in-season event.
It gained’t be straightforward, nonetheless, kicking issues off with a matchup in opposition to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Though the Raptors did win the common season sequence in opposition to Milwaukee final yr (2-1), solely a kind of video games included the two-time MVP.
A date with ex No. 43Nov. 18: Pacers @ Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET
Pascal Siakam’s return to Scotiabank Area this yr gained’t be as emotional as final yr’s homecoming for the long-time Raptor, however we’ll most likely nonetheless see loads of No. 43 jerseys all through the group to have a good time the previous fan favorite.
Within the first matchup of the season between the 2019 champion and his previous group, count on there to be loads to play for on each side. Raptors followers will get to see their previous flame go head-to-head in opposition to the following face of the franchise, Scottie Barnes.
Will the most recent duel go away folks with emotions of remorse or a way of affirmation that the grass was certainly greener on the opposite facet?
The prodigal son returnsDec. 5: Thunder @ Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET
During the last couple of seasons — and thru a bronze medal-winning FIBA World Cup run — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented himself as Canada’s prime basketball participant, and one of many premier abilities within the NBA.
For sure, the Hamilton, Ont., native will get a large ovation when he steps onto the court docket in Toronto. And for what it’s price, Gilgeous-Alexander typically places on a present in entrance of the not-so-hostile crowd, averaging 26.5 factors per recreation in 4 contests in Toronto.
He additionally gained’t be the one Canadian making an look that evening, as the sport may see as many as 5 gamers from north of the border. Montreal’s Lu Dort must be on the market subsequent to Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder whereas the Raptors could have RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher… O Canada certainly.
Shine brilliant within the MeccaJan. 8: Raptors @ Knicks at 7 p.m. ET
The Raptors have been by no means a media darling down south, nevertheless it actually speaks to the state of the franchise’s notion that they’re tied for the fewest nationally televised video games (4) this yr with the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trailblazers.
Which is why they’ll have to benefit from considered one of their 4 nationally broadcasted video games as they step in entrance of the brilliant lights of Madison Sq. Backyard.
Taking up former Raptor OG Anunoby — a month after he makes his first return (Dec. 9) to Toronto since being traded since he was inactive for his earlier alternative for a reunion final yr — could possibly be sufficient motivation to placed on a present as a nationwide viewers watches the Raptors for one of many few occasions this yr.
The champs are in townJan. 15: Celtics @ Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET
Taking up the defending champions is at all times price tuning in for. Whether or not it’s to easily marvel at a number of the league’s prime expertise like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, or it’s to make use of the competition as a measuring keep on with see how far your group at the moment is from being of that pedigree.
By their January matchup, the Raptors and Celtics could have confronted off twice already however each of these video games will likely be performed in Beantown. Welcoming the champs to Toronto ought to give the Raptors an added increase, and hopefully assist flip their fortunes in opposition to a Celtics group that’s had their quantity the final couple of seasons.
Toronto’s final win in opposition to Boston got here on Mar. 28, 2022, and it required additional time. Since then, the Raptors have misplaced eight consecutive video games to the Celtics and have been swept in back-to-back common season sequence.
“Massive Maple” comes homeFeb. 5: Grizzlies @ Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET
By the point Zach Edey makes his hometown debut, we’ll have an concept of how he’s appeared within the NBA. And whether or not he appears as bodily dominant because the participant who warranted the nickname “Zachille O’Neal” from the Corridor of Famer himself, or only a lumbering huge who struggles with the velocity of the NBA recreation, Edey will certainly get a heat welcome from the group.
The 2-time Naismith males’s collegiate Participant of the 12 months award winner has confronted each adoration and ire all through his NCAA profession. Some consider Edey may assist proceed the large man renaissance at the moment led by the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, and others see him as a visible indicator that the sport has left his archetype within the mud.
Raptors followers will have the ability to see and determine for themselves in February.
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Alien vs. predatorMarch 23: Spurs @ Raptors at 6 p.m. ET
After a rookie marketing campaign that had basketball followers believing Victor Wembanyama was extra extraterrestrial than human, Raptors followers should wait a bit to expertise the seven-foot-four anomaly in individual as soon as once more.
And when the reigning Rookie of the 12 months and the Spurs make it to Toronto, of us in attendance must hope issues go in a different way. Final February when Wembanyama performed his first recreation at Scotiabank Area he dominated the matchup, ending with 27 factors, 14 rebounds, 10 blocks and 5 assists en path to a 23-point victory.
The Raptors had no reply for the Frenchman, getting rejected what felt like each time they tried to problem him on the rim.
All of the whereas, Toronto’s franchise cornerstone had considered one of his worst video games of the season. Barnes completed the competition with simply seven factors on 3-of-15 taking pictures to go together with 9 assists and 5 turnovers. Struggling in opposition to Wembanyama, though not unusual for gamers within the NBA, clearly had the Raptors’ All-Star feeling some kind of method as he spent chunks of the loss complaining to officers, sulking on the sidelines and making an abrupt and early exit to the locker room earlier than the ultimate buzzer.
Barnes later admitted his choice to take action was a “unhealthy look,” motivated by his irritating efficiency. Fortunately for the 23-year-old, he’ll get his alternative to rectify what he described as a “mistake,” in March.
Take down the “Alien” and all is forgiven.
