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Articles by Josh Kern
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets — Start Time, Lineups, Injuries and More
Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images Oh hello! Welcome back to NBA basketball! The All-Star break is over, and not a moment too soon, as the discourse around All-Star Weekend was particularly painful this year. It’s time to get to the pain that is the 2023-24 Toronto Raptors. Our Raptors, with a re-made roster that, well, may or may not fit together, have lost three straight games (two of them embarrassing blowout losses) and 7 of their last 10.
Raptors HQ ‘23-24 NBA Trade Deadline Roundtable
Have we seen Bruce Brown, Gary Trent Jr., and Chris Boucher’s last game as Toronto Raptors? What about Dennis Schroder? Could he possibly be on the move too? The JJJs are back for a quick Raptors trade deadline roundtable — and no, it’s not Jaren Jackson Jr. Sadly, it’s Raptors HQ’s Josh Kern, JD Quirante, and Jay Rosales. The trio looked into some burning topics surrounding the Raptors and their potential trade deadline activity.
Preview: Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers: Winning Time(?)
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers are both in the midst of figuring out who they are. But while the Raptors are integrating new pieces and rebuilding a winning culture, the Lakers are struggling to figure out how their existing pieces fit together. It’s going better for the Raps right now, winners of 3 of their last 4 games and 2-1 on their current West coast trip; the Lakers had lost four in a row before beating the Clippers on Sunday.
Preview: Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors: It ain’t 2019 anymore
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Its fascinating, almost five years later, to look at the current rosters of the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors, and compare them to the teams that met in the 2019 Finals. The Warriors look very much the same: A core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, plus centre Kevon Looney, and head coach Steve Kerr.
Preview: Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings — For all the pizza
Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports The Toronto Raptors have won two straight games and head into tonight’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings on the verge of winning something even greater: A pizza party! OK, maybe it’s not that great. It’s probably not even really a pizza party. But Darko Rajakovic promised his team that when they won three straight games he’d buy them dinner.
Matchup: Toronto Raptors at Memphis Grizzlies — Start Time, Lineups, Injuries and More
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports Twitter has become a seedy hellhole so I can’t find who coined the “BBQ” phrase to describe the Toronto Raptors’ new-look core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley (or whoever revised it to Spicy BBQ to account for Pascal Siakam) but that individual deserves some credit because you know what?
Raptors vs. Cavaliers Final Score: Raps win 124-121 as Barrett, Quickley make great first impressions
Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images The new-look Toronto Raptors handled their business and got 2024 off to a good start, dropping the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-121 at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night. It wasn’t easy – in fact it was downright hairy in the fourth quarter – but Toronto used a big first quarter to take an early lead, went up by as many as 19 in the second quarter, and weathered the second-half storm to seal it.
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers — Start Time, Lineups, Injuries and More
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images The Toronto Raptors will look to integrate two new players and shake off their Saturday loss to one of the worst teams in NBA history tonight as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors were shorthanded for that 129-127 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, as earlier in the day they traded OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick.
PREVIEW: Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers - New year, fresh start
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images 2024 is here, and yeah, it couldn’t come soon enough for the Toronto Raptors. Calendar year-wise, it was pretty much a bomb — from the lacklustre 2022-23 campaign, to flaming out in the play-in, firing their coach and letting their lead guard walk for nothing, and the first half of the 2023-24 season hasn’t been much better, as the team sits at 12-20. In fact, December may have been Toronto’s worst calendar month of the entire year.
Why Toronto Raptors Fans Should Appreciate Having Their Own NBA Team
Key points: Despite the challenges, Toronto Raptors fans should appreciate having their own NBA team Remembering the past successes, including the 2019 championship win and the players who made an impact Even though the team may be struggling now, fans should enjoy the moments while they last Toronto Raptors fans may be experiencing a rough start to the season, but they should still take a moment to appreciate what they have.
Editorial: Enjoy this, Toronto Raptors fans (even if it stinks sometimes)
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images Both before and after last Saturday’s game between the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers, Philly coach (and former Raptors coach) Nick Nurse said it was “weird” coming back to Scotiabank Arena so soon. Nick, buddy, I know how you feel. With slightly less fanfare than Nurse, I also returned to Scotiabank Arena Saturday night for the first time since last season.
Philadelphia 76ers Defeat Toronto Raptors 114-107 Behind Maxey and Embiid's Stellar Performances
Key points: The Philadelphia 76ers, coached by Nick Nurse, defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-107 in a game that featured standout performances from Maxey and Embiid. Tyrese Maxey scored 34 points and Joel Embiid scored 34 points to lead the Sixers to victory. Despite a valiant effort from the Raptors, who were missing O.G. Anunoby, the Sixers used a strong third quarter to secure the win.
Raptors vs. 76ers Final Score: 114-107 — Nurse’s Sixers beat the Raps with big nights from Maxey, Embiid
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors hosted their former head coach and his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, at Scotiabank Arena tonight and given Nurse’s “homecoming;” the recent history between these two teams; and the bizarro vibes still hanging around the Raptors following Friday’s mystifying loss to the Chicago Bulls, you might have expected another weird one.
Toronto Raptors Look to Rebound Against Former Coach Nick Nurse and Philadelphia 76ers
Key points: The Toronto Raptors are looking to bounce back after a bizarre overtime loss in their last game. Nick Nurse, the former Raptors coach, will be facing his old team for the first time as the coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Some key players, such as James Harden and O.G. Anunoby, will be out due to injuries. The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers after a bizarre overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Match Up: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers — Start Time, Lineups, Injuries and More
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Coming off one of the most bizarre games in their history — and there’ve been a lot of them! — the Toronto Raptors look to bounce back right away on their home court, as they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to town. It’s the first week of the season, so some underwhelming basketball is to be expected as players are still getting into game shape and teams are still building chemistry.
NBA Draft Lottery Results 2023: Toronto Raptors will pick 13th on Draft Day
Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images The ping pong balls have been picked and the envelopes opened, and as a result of the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, the Toronto Raptors will pick 13th at the 2023 NBA Draft. The Raptors, who finished a middling 41-41 this past season, had the 13th-worst odds heading into the lottery, and just a 1% chance at landing the top pick. In other words, things broke exactly as expected! So, now we move into actual draft prep.
O.G. Anunoby named to NBA All-Defensive second team
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images Hallelujah, they’re finally paying attention. After years of inexplicably being ignored by voters for the NBA’s All-Defensive team, O.G. Anunoby — one of the most effective, dogged, and versatile defenders in the league — was finally selected for the league’s All-Defensive second team.
Former Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan believes team would have won 2019 title; he’s wrong
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images Last week, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith told DeMar DeRozan that he (Smith) believed that if the Toronto Raptors had kept their 2018 team intact — meaning, they hadn’t fired Dwane Casey and traded DeRozan — they would have won the 2019 title. DeRozan agreed, “most definitely.” I’m sorry to tell you, DeMar… but you’re most definitely wrong. We really shouldn’t have to litigate this five years after the fact, but here we are. Shall we run through the exercise, one last time?
Player Review: Christian Koloko, pretty good for a second-rounder
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports I’m gonna go out on a limb and suggest that, prior to June 23, 2022, most Toronto Raptors fans had never heard of Christian Koloko. Sure, a few maybe read some mock drafts, a couple of which had Koloko as a high second rounder. But Koloko, who played three years at Arizona, was not highly touted nor any sort of household name. All of which makes sense. After all, the Raptors were picking 33rd in the draft.
Report: Toronto Raptors forward Otto Porter picks up 2023-24 player option
Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images According to a report from NBA Insider, Toronto Raptors forward Otto Porter has picked up his $6.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season. If you forgot Otto Porter was a Toronto Raptor or don’t know who that is, well, that’s because he only played in eight games in 2022-23.
Player Review: Pascal Siakam, a bright spot in a lost season
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports If the Toronto Raptors had won 50 games in the 2022-23 season, we’d be talking about Pascal Siakam’s campaign as one of the greatest single-season efforts in franchise history. Unfortunately, the team underperformed, which relegates Siakam’s outstanding numbers to the category of “good season, didn’t impact winning.” And that’s a shame. Siakam averaged 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists on the season, with the points and assists both career-highs.
The Toronto Raptors have fired Nick Nurse. Good move or bad?
Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images It’s the end of an era. Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has been relieved of his duties and the Raptors are moving on from the only coach who has ever led the team to a championship. I can’t say I’m surprised. Coaching changes in the NBA aren’t unusual, for one thing (San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat excepted).
NBA Play-In recap: Toronto Raptors blow 19 point lead, lose Chicago Bulls 109-105
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports For only the second time since 2014, the Toronto Raptors will not be participating in the NBA Playoffs. Despite holding a 19-point lead in the third quarter, the Raptors allowed the Chicago Bulls to come all the way back and steal away a 109-105 win on Toronto’s home floor. The loss, Toronto’s first-ever in the NBA’s new Play-In Tournament, knocks Toronto out of the postseason. The Bulls move on to play the Miami Heat on Friday night.
NBA Play-In Tournament: Toronto Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls Play-In Matchup, Lineup updates, injuries and more
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Buckle up folks, we’re about to witness history! When the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors tip off in about 30 minutes, the first single-elimination postseason basketball game in Raptors history will be underway! We are literally in unprecedented times. And yet this matchup isn’t nearly as exciting as that preamble makes it sound.
NBA Play-in Tournament Preview: Toronto Raptors host Chicago Bulls in 9-10 showdown
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports 16 years ago, a former Toronto Raptors star came to town on an opposing team and knocked the Raptors out of the postseason. On Wednesday night, another former Toronto Raptors star will try and do the same. Sure, DeMar DeRozan’s Chicago Bulls playing the Raptors in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament doesn’t feel quite the same as Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets coming to town in 2007.
Raptors dispatch Bucks 121-105 in sleepy regular season finale
Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images The Toronto Raptors closed out their regular season with a 121-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, wrapping a mediocre season in pretty much the most mediocre way possible. With nothing left to play for, both teams rested most of their regular starters and gave their benches extended minutes. It was a lackadaisical-but-thankfully-quick affair, with the Raptors getting up 17 in the second quarter and the Bucks not putting up much resistance after that.
Toronto Raptors host Milwaukee Bucks Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries and more
Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images The last time the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks played each other, both were still attempting to lock in or improve their postseason positioning, making the game a meaningful and important one for each team. This game... is the exact opposite.
Toronto Raptors visit Boston Celtics for penultimate game of regular season: Preview, start time, and more
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports The Toronto Raptors blew a chance on Wednesday to guarantee themselves a .500 record this season by dropping a lacklustre affair to a Boston Celtics team missing three starters. It was typical of Toronto’s season, to underwhelm and fail to take advantage of a shorthanded team and grab a win on the road. They’ll have the chance to do it again tonight, although the Celtics look to be much closer to full strength, making the challenge that much tougher.
Passive Toronto Raptors fall to shorthanded Boston Celtics, 97-93
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images It seems like in every Toronto Raptors loss, you can look at one quarter and say, “yep, that’s the one that cost them the game.” You know the quarters I’m talking about — when the Raptors go on extended offensive drought, give up too many blow-bys, don’t get back in transition, or don’t crash the glass — sometimes all of the above. Oh, and there’s usually a lot of bench players involved.
Can the Toronto Raptors avoid a trap game loss vs Charlotte Hornets? Preview, start time, and more
Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors play the Charlotte Hornets again tonight, after defeating them 128-108 on Sunday afternoon. With that win, the Raptors clinched a spot in the play-in tournament, and will now use their remaining four games to try and secure the 8th seed — an important spot to secure, as finishing 7th or 8th guarantees two chances to make the playoffs. But it won’t be easy.
Recap: Toronto Raptors lose to Philadelphia 76ers 117-110, Scottie Barnes 29 points
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images The Toronto Raptors dug themselves a deep second-quarter hole against the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night, and — despite a valiant effort — couldn’t climb out, as they fell 117-110 in Philly. The Raptors doomed themselves with an absolutely brutal second quarter defensive effort, as they allowed the 76ers to shoot 86% in the frame, and were outscored 46-27.
Barnes comes up big, Toronto Raptors defeat Miami Heat 106-92
Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors have finally climbed back to .500 after defeating the Miami Heat 106—92 on Tuesday night. Toronto used a big third quarter to put the Heat back on their heels, and although Miami made a big push in the fourth, cutting what was once a 19-point lead all the way down to 10, the Raptors made enough plays down the stretch to seal the deal.
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries and more
/Toronto Star via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors have another chance — their fifth in a month! — to get back to .500 tonight, as they host the Miami Heat at Scotiabank Arena. Currently sitting at 37-38, the Raptors haven’t struck even since they were 13-13 waaaay back on December 9... before they lost six straight and sent this season into the slog it’s been ever since.
Raptors take on Wizards, look to keep pace in standings: Preview, start time and more
Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images There’s a scene in the 1997 movie Armageddon — one of the worst movies ever made, but maybe also the single best bad movie ever made? — where, as our heroes prepare to launch into space so they can go drill a hole in an asteroid, the NASA flight director says to all those assembled, “All right ladies and gentlemen, it’s pucker time.” It’s far from the worst bit of dialogue in the film, but it’s got to be in the top (er, bottom) 20 lines from the script.
Toronto Raptors blow lead, lose to Milwaukee Bucks 118-111 behind Brook Lopez’ big fourth quarter
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports The Milwaukee Bucks have the best record in the league, and they showed us why tonight, by dispatching the Toronto Raptors tonight behind a barrage of three-pointers and a monster fourth-quarter effort. The Bucks won the final quarter 29-16, led by Brook Lopez, who scored 17(!) in the frame. The Raptors, trying to coax something out of their bench, started the period 1-for-11 from the floor as the Bucks quickly erased a 6-point deficit and rolled the rest of the way.
Toronto Raptors visit Milwaukee Bucks Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries and more
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images For both the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, at this point in the season, every game matters. For the Bucks, they’re in first place in the Eastern Conference, but it’s hardly a comfortable lead; they’re just two games up on both the surging 76ers, winners of 8 straight games, the Boston Celtics, who are struggling at the moment (for them) but could get back on track any day.
Raptors Travel to Milwaukee, Looking for 4th Straight Win: Preview, start time and more
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images The 2022-23 Toronto Raptors truly are a Jekyll-and-Hyde team, it seems. After what felt like a disastrous five-game road trip — where they went 1-4 — the Raptors have reeled off three straight home wins, are just one game below .500, and now have a chance — if the Atlanta Hawks lose today, and the Raptors win — to move into 8th place in the Eastern Conference.
VanVleet, Raptors hold off Nuggets’ third-quarter rally to win 125-110
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors looked fantastic through 2.5 quarters last night, and although they very nearly let the game get away from them late in the third, they had enough in the tank to eke out a 125-110 win over the Denver Nuggets. Leading by six heading into the final frame, the Raptors missed their first four shots of the fourth and within three minutes, what was once a 24-point lead was down to three.
Toronto Raptors vs. Denver Nuggets Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries, and more
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images I’ve lost track of the amount of times we’ve written about how an upcoming game or stretch of games is critical for the Toronto Raptors this season. Since the end of December, we’ve all been waiting for the team to make a push, and time and again, they've fallen short. After going 1-4 on their recent road trip, well, the Raptors are pretty much out of time.
Recap: Toronto Raptors lose to Los Angeles Lakers 122-112, bench disappoints again
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors were awesome in the first quarter last night, and incredible in the third. Unfortunately basketball is a game of four quarters, and the Raptors let the Los Angeles Lakers walk all over them in quarters 2 and 3, and the Lakers came away with 122-112 win.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries, and more
Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images The Toronto Raptors sure have had their share of drama this week, haven’t they? Monday’s affair against the Denver Nuggets went haywire in the final minutes, as Scott Foster Foster’ed all over himself and everyone around him; Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers was rather mundane, with the drama coming after the buzzer, when Fred VanVleet put Ben Tayler on blast x1000.
Recap: Toronto Raptors disappoint in 108-100 loss to Los Angeles Clippers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Things looked promising for the Toronto Raptors early in their game against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. They forced 7 turnovers in the opening frame, jumping out to a 25-15 lead after one — and then sleepwalked through the remaining three quarters, eventually dropping a 108-100 decision to the home team. Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes combined for 40 points, 9 assists and 11 rebounds, but it took them 42 shots to get there.
Toronto Raptors vs Denver Nuggets: Preview, start time and more
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors continue their five-game road trip tonight, as they visit the Mile High city to take on the West-leading Denver Nuggets. This game represents the Raptors’ third chance in a week to even their record out at .500, but this is their toughest test in more than a month. The Nuggets boast a fully healthy lineup, plus the two-time MVP in Nikola Jokic, plus the thin Colorado air...
Recap: Toronto Raptors defeat Washington Wizards 116-109 in overtime
Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors overcame a fourth-quarter Washington Wizards rally by dominating the overtime period, coming away with the 116-109 win and a split in their two-game set with the Wizards. Fred VanVleet, who missed a wide-open three at the end of regulation, nailed two huge triples from the corner in OT to widen Toronto’s lead and eventually take the game.
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries, and more
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images The Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards play again today, and again the fate of the play-in tournament hangs in the balance! OK, nothing really is hanging in the balance. But maybe if I write about it with some urgency, the Raptors will start to play with some? That seems as unlikely as the Raptors making a run at the sixth seed, though. Sure, it’s technically still in reach.
Can the Toronto Raptors continue to climb the play-in ladder vs the Washington Wizards tonight? Preview, start time and more
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images Pretty amazing to see how quickly the good vibes created by 10-game stretch where the Toronto Raptors went 8-2 can disappear, isn’t it? But that’s exactly what happened on Thursday night when the Raptors dropped a listless affair to the Washington Wizards, allowing the Wizards to essentially catch up to them in the standings.
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Matchup: Lineup updates, injuries, and more
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images It’s the matchup we’ve been waiting five months for! Well, not really — no one really wants to watch the Washington Wizards — but it is kinda weird that we’re 63 games into the season and the Toronto Raptors have yet to play the former Bullets! The teams haven’t played against each other since January of 2022!! It’s a quirk of the schedule that after 13.5 months, these two teams will play three times this month (including again on Saturday), but given where...
Report: Toronto Raptors signing free agent Will Barton on buyout market
Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors are adding free agent guard Will Barton to their roster as soon as he completes his contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In order to free up the necessary roster spot, the Raptors are waiving Juancho Hernangomez, Woj reports. By signing today, Barton is eligible for the postseason roster.
Almost there: A Toronto Raptors three-quarter season report card
Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images Well I was really hoping to publish this after a win! Alas, with the chance to finally get back to .500 on the year, the Toronto Raptors unfortunately lost last night to the Cleveland Cavaliers, moving them to 30-32 on the season. And it doesn’t take a math whiz to know that means 62 games played, which is roughly three-quarters of the season! And that means it’s report card time.
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