The Toronto Raptors are all set to kick off their highly-anticipated season as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to start their campaign on a high note.
The Raptors, led by Scottie Barnes, had an impressive preseason and will be looking to carry that momentum into the regular season. The team will be without Pascal Siakam, who is still recovering from an injury. However, they have a deep bench and will be hoping that their supporting cast can step up and fill the void left by their star power forward.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, will be relying heavily on their young core, consisting of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. The trio has been impressive in the preseason and will be looking to take their game to the next level as they face a tough test against the Raptors.
One of the key matchups to watch out for will be the battle between the Raptors' Fred VanVleet and the Cavaliers' Garland. Both point guards are known for their quick movements and exceptional shooting ability, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this encounter.
The Cavaliers have been impressive on the defensive end in the preseason, and they will need to be at their best to contain the Raptors' high-powered offense. The Raptors, on the other hand, will need to be more efficient on the defensive end if they want to come away with a win.
Fans can expect a high-scoring and intense game as both teams look to start their season on a winning note. With the energy in the Scotiabank Arena expected to be electric, this game has all the makings of a classic encounter.