Toronto Raptors Prepare for Season Opener Against Chicago Bulls
The Toronto Raptors are gearing up to host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena, marking the start of the regular season. The anticipation has been building since their playoff performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this year and the trade for Kawhi Leonard over the summer.
In the lead-up to the season, the Raptors have played five pre-season games and conducted numerous practices. Kawhi Leonard, who has a two-year contract extension, is reportedly ready to contribute significantly this season. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes have also shown promising performance, averaging 55.6 points per game during pre-season, indicating their potential to carry over their playoff success.
Despite being a top-five defense last season, the Raptors' pre-season defense has been less impressive, ranking 21st in the league. Head coach Darko Rajakovic remains optimistic, suggesting that pre-season statistics are not definitive. Additionally, Trayce Jackson-Davis has emerged as a potential asset, showcasing strong performances that could bolster the team's frontcourt depth.
