NBA: Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s
On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA regular-season game at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Raptors have dropped six of their last nine games heading into this matchup. In their previous meeting, they were defeated 103-97 by the Orlando Magic. Pascal Siakam led the team with 34 points, while Malachi Flynn added 20. They were the only ones on the team who could get into a rhythm offensively. Toronto struggled to get going in the absence of Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, shooting only 39% from the field.
In the meantime, the Cavaliers have been in poor form recently as well. They have only won one of their past seven games, and come into this contest coming off a 119-125 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen were among four players who scored 20 points or more on the night. But it wasn’t enough, as Philadelphia won the game in the final minutes.
Injury Update for the Toronto Raptors
OG Anunoby and DJ Wilson have been ruled out for this game, while Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn are listed as questionable.
Injury Update for the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will continue to be without Collin Sexton, who has been sidelined for a long time, and Rajon Rondo and Caris Levert have been listed as questionable.
Predicted Lineups for Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Toronto Raptors
Depending on Fred VanVleet’s availability, the Raptors may make some alterations to their starting lineup. If he is cleared to play, he will likely start in the backcourt with Gary Trent Jr., with Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and Khem Birch rounding out the roster. Coming off the bench, Malachi Flynn, Chris Boucher, and Thaddeus Young are likely to see the most action.
Cleveland Cavaliers
If Caris LeVert remains out, the Cavaliers will most likely use the same starting lineup as they did in their previous game. The guards in that game were Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro, while the frontcourt players were Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Cedi Osman, Kevin Love, and Lamar Stevens are the reserves that might get the most action.
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Predicted Starting 5s
Toronto Raptors
Point Guard: Fred VanVleet; Shooting Guard: Gary Trent Jr.; Small Forward: Scottie Barnes; Power Forward: Pascal Siakam; Center: Khem Birch.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Point Guard: Darius Garland; Shooting Guard: Isaac Okoro; Small Forward: Lauri Markkanen; Power Forward: Evan Mobley; Center: Jarrett Allen.