Here we go, the time has finally arrived. The KLAW is back, the Raptors are back and most importantly Toronto has reasons to dream big again. That’s right, the regular season begins today for the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls.
Toronto will be turning to a familiar face from their past, while the visiting Bulls are looking toward the future as both teams begin new eras in Wednesday’s season opener. Sure, Toronto Raptors fans have seen Kawhi Leonard back in the jersey in pre-season, but there’s nothing sweeter than the real thing.
For a fan base that has been waiting for a reason to dream big again, there is plenty to be excited about. Toronto is coming off a playoff appearance that saw it push the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games, and now Leonard joins Scottie Barnes and a group looking to take another step forward.
The Bulls will have their own fresh start to celebrate, with a new head coach, an exciting rookie and a returning former Raptor of their own. However, for Toronto, opening night is about finding out what this team can become.
Raptors outlook
Record: 0-0
Offensive Rating: N/A
Raptors previous results: N/A
The Raptors have plenty of reasons to be excited, but defence is where they should make their money early. Toronto finished among the NBA’s top five defensive teams last season, and adding Kawhi Leonard to a group that already features Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles could make things even tougher for opposing offences.
There’s an old saying in sports that defence is always ahead of offence at the start of a season, and that could work in Toronto’s favour tonight. Expect the Raptors to try and set the tone by getting stops, forcing turnovers and making Chicago work for every basket.
Of course, the biggest storyline is Leonard’s return. Raptors fans got a taste of it during the preseason, but seeing him back for a game that actually counts is something else. At 35, his health will always be a talking point, but there’s no questioning what he brings when he’s on the floor.
Bulls outlook
Record: 0-0
Offensive Rating: N/A
Raptors previous results: N/A
While Toronto is welcoming back a champion, Chicago is beginning a new chapter of its own. The Bulls finished 31-51 last season and are looking for a fresh start under new head coach Thiago Splitter. There’s plenty of young talent on the roster, and Wednesday’s opener offers the first look at what this group might become.
The player to watch for Chicago is rookie forward Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick out of North Carolina. Wilson enters the NBA with plenty of hype and the potential to become a major piece of Chicago’s future. Raptors fans know all to well how well a fourth overall pick can turn out…think no further than Scottie Barnes.
There’s also a familiar face making his Bulls debut: Norman Powell. Raptors fans will remember Powell from his time in Toronto, where he became a valuable contributor and helped the franchise win the 2019 championship. Seeing him in a Chicago uniform adds another storyline to a game that already has plenty of them.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. ET
Television: Sportsnet (SN / SN+)
Radio: TSN Radio 1050
Venue: Scotiabank Arena
Starting Lineups (Projected)
Chicago Bulls
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Norman Powell
SF: Matas Buzelis
PF: Caleb Wilson
C: Jalen Smith
Toronto Raptors
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Injury Report
Toronto Raptors
Nate Bittle – Out (Foot)
Los Angeles Clippers
Nic Claxton – Out (Hamstring)
Leonard Miller – Probable (Right adductor sprain)
Isaac Okoro – Probable (Knee)
Dailyn Swain – Doubtful (Illness)
Zach Collins – Probable (Toe)
Tobe Awaka – Probable (Knee)
Jordan Hawkins – Out (Illness)
