Team Profile
Toronto Raptors
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111.2 14thOffensive Rating
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113.4 8thDefensive Rating
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-2.2 22ndNet Rating
2024 Team Stats
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Points per game111.7 14th
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Points per game Against113.0 12th
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Rebounds per game45.6 6th
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Assists per game28.5 6th
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle spoke on the injury to guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) on Tuesday, hinting that he could return on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Brown hasn't been seen on the floor since Dec. 21 with a right knee bone bruise. The Pacers begin a five-game homestand on Wednesday, so Brown should have a good opportunity to return from his absence at some stage during this swing. The position-less 27-year-old has gotten lost in the shuffle at times in the No. 1 Pacers offense with so many scoring options around him, but he is still chipping in 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 threes per game and should be rostered in most nine-category fantasy leagues. With Andrew Nembhard (back) doubtful versus the Bucks, Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, and Buddy Hield would all be asked to step up if Brown remains sidelined as well.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett debuted for the team with a 19-point, nine-rebound effort in a 124-121 win over Cleveland on Monday. He shot an efficient 6-for-12 from the field and 6-for-8 at the line in 29 minutes as a starter. It was a solid debut for Barrett, who was 1-for-2 with the three-ball, but he had trouble handling the ball and committed five of the team's 11 turnovers. Barrett should clean up the turnovers once he's better adjusted to his new teammates. He typically doesn't do much else besides scoring, but Barrett celebrated his first appearance with his hometown team with a season-high in rebounding and should get plenty of confidence from the positive start.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley produced a good all-around performance in his first game for the team on Monday, finishing a 124-121 home victory against Cleveland with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He hit two shots from outside with five attempts, and Quickley was 5-for-12 overall from the field while having zero turnovers in 28 minutes. The 24-year-old, who finished second in the voting for the Sixth Man of the Year Award last season, started life in Canada as a starter, pushing Dennis Schroder to the bench. Schroder was still productive with a 12-point, eight-assist performance and actually logged a couple of extra minutes compared to Quickley, but early signs suggest that the two don't bother each other too much, and Quickley is a good fit on his new team.
Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (knee) will not return on Monday, which pushes his streak to five consecutive games missed. There has been some movement in the starting five while he's been sidelined. Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Jalen Smith all joined the starting five in their last contest against the New York Knicks. It seems that Nesmith is the one who took Brown's spot while he's been absent, so whenever Brown does return, it will likely be Nesmith's minutes that take a hit. For now, Nesmith and Nembhard are both quality streaming options in deeper leagues.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett and guard Immanuel Quickley are both available to make their team debuts on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Barrett and Quickley were both at morning shootaround, signaling they would be ready to rock. The former New York Knicks came over in Saturday's trade, and while it remains to be seen what type of role is initially in store for them, they should settle into very significant minutes north of the border before long. Barrett should eventually assimilate into OG Anunoby's role, which was good for 33.3 minutes per night before he was moved. Fantasy managers hope Barrett's play in his hometown of Toronto sparks greater offensive efficiency and defensive intensity. Quickley will have to battle with Dennis Schroder and Gary Trent Jr. for minutes, but he has a far greater chance to carve out a featured role than he did in the Big Apple behind All-Star Jalen Brunson.