As final tune-up tips go, there were enough stretches in Friday night’s 116-112 win over the hometown Brooklyn Nets to suggest the Raptors are well-prepared for the grind that awaits when the ball gets tossed for real on opening night next Wednesday and a home date against the Cleveland Cavaliers. At no point during the Raptors’ five-game exhibition schedule were they able to field a healthy roster. Much will be made of Friday night’s opening lineup, but the ensuing days and injury news will dictate the starting five, whatever bench head coach Darko Rajakovic deploys, what roles are designated and what minutes are doled out to start theregular season.
The two main takeaways from Toronto’s trip to Brooklyn involved Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, two players who happen to be the team’s most indispensable. For what he does in the post, the way he’s capable of controlling the glass, his soft hands and ability to finish at the rim, the third key cog is Jakob Poeltl. Depending on the health status of RJ Barrett, who missed his fourth pre-season game in a row following a shoulder setback in the opener, the potential to have four legitimate pieces on the court at least provides some hope.
Wins will be elusive this season, but the Raptors do have the makings of being an entertaining team. How many wins are achieved will ultimately hinge on their ability to make three-point shots and defend, especially when shots aren’t dropping. For the record, the Raptors closed .