Five games into the regular season and we know a few things for sure about the 2021-22 Raptors: they're tough and gritty.
A few other things stick out, which NBA.com's Scott Rafferty discusses here, but those two things reign supreme. The Raptors' toughness and grit show up most on the defensive end and that's how this year's version of the Raptors is going to win games.
On Wednesday, the Raptors held the Pacers to 100 points and forced them into 22 turnovers, which isn't easy to do in today's NBA. On the offensive end, they took care of the rock and allowed themselves more valuable possessions en route to the victory. Until Pascal Siakam gets back, which isn't too far away, this seems like the formula for the Raptors' success: defend and be efficient on offence.
MORE: Raptors' offence must overcome Pascal Siakam-sized deficiency
On Friday, the Raptors will have another opportunity to put one in the win column against an Orlando Magic squad that hasn't exactly gotten off to a great start this season.
In their first five games, the Magic are getting outscored by opponents at a rate of 14.3 points per 100 possessions — that's dead last in the league. This is a very winnable game, to say the least, for the Raptors.
That being said, the Raptors still need to show up and protect of home court. The Magic haven't shown to be a great rebounding team early on, whereas the Raptors have been attacking the offensive glass to the tune of averaging 16.2 per game, which is less than a percentage point off the league-leading Grizzlies 16.3. Toronto has also guarded the 3-point line well to start the year, only allowing its opponents to shoot 32.7 percent from deep. If the Raptors can win the battle on the boards and limit Orlando's 3s, they might be able to have their first win streak of the season.
With Scottie Barnes' play so far this season, there's been no talk of Jalen Suggs in Toronto. He'll make his first trip to Scotiabank Arena with a chip on his shoulder after the Raptors passed on him and selected Barnes with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Suggs has yet to truly announce himself to the league and Friday could be his opportunity to prove he belongs.
What channel is Raptors vs. Magic on?
- TV channel: SN One (Canada), BSIN and NBA League Pass (USA)
- Radio: TSN Radio 1050
Raptors vs. Magic will air on Sportsnet One in Canada with Matt Devlin and former Raptor Alvin Williams on the call. The game will air on Bally Sports Florida in the Magic's local market and NBA League Pass outside of Orlando's local market in the U.S.
What time does Raptors vs. Magic start?
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 27
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | 4:00 p.m. PT
Raptors vs. Magic is scheduled to tip just after at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 29. The game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
Is Pascal Siakam playing vs. Magic?
Injury Report: 10/29/21 08:30 AM
The latest injury report has Pascal Siakam listed as out for the Raptors game against the Magic on Friday. Siakam has yet to appear in a game this season but he is working out with the Raptors 905 in anticipation of a return to the lineup.
| Team | Player Name | Current Status | Reason |
| Toronto Raptors | Pascal Siakam | Out | Injury/Illness – Left shoulder; Injury recovery |
| Yuta Watanabe | Out | Injury/Illness – Left calf; Strain | |
| Orlando Magic | Michael Carter-Williams | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Ankle; Injury recover |
| Markelle Fultz | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Injury recovery | |
| Jonathan Issac | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Injury recovery | |
| E'Twaun Moore | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Sprain | |
| Mychal Mulder | Out | G League - Two-Way | |
| Chuma Okeke | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Hip; Bone bruise |
Raptors Next Five Games
| DATE | OPP | TIME / TV | VENUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2021 | vs. Magic | 7:00:00 pm | Scotiabank Arena |
| Oct 30, 2021 | @ Pacers | 7:30:00 pm | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Nov 1, 2021 | @ Knicks | 7:30:00 pm | Madison Square Garden |
| Nov 3, 2021 | @ Wizards | 7:00:00 pm | Capital One Arena |
| Nov 5, 2021 | vs. Cavs | 7:30:00 pm | Scotiabank Arena |
*All times are ET
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