With Victor Wembanyama and his 7-4 frame waiting for Scottie Barnes and the rest of this 2-4 club, the Toronto Raptors need to be all out against the San Antonio Spurs. Having Precious Achiuwa return would be a huge plus for Toronto.
Wembanyama’s distinct physical makeup makes it difficult for opponents to match up with him, but if Toronto’s smaller squad can’t control the paint and establish a presence on the boards, they won’t be able to slow him down. That effort might become much more difficult if Achiuwa, who is still recovering from a groin ailment, is sidelined.
The Spurs not only have Wembanyama, but the presence of Zach Collins and point-forward wannabe Jeremy Sochan in the starting lineup gives them three players who are 6-8 or taller. That size could be very problematic if Toronto can’t lean on a player like Achiuwa.
Precious Achiuwa Injury Status for tonight’s game vs. Spurs
Achiuwa hasn’t been cleared to play and has been listed as doubtful due to his nagging groin injury. The Raptors are clearly missing his physicality and rebounding inside, as their inability to replace him was killer in a loss against the 76ers.
Who would replace Precious Achiuwa in the rotation?
Otto Porter Jr. got his first minutes of the season in the win against Milwaukee, and it stands to reason that he will be back on the floor following a rest DNP in Toronto’s loss against the 76ers. Perhaps Jalen McDaniels ends up back on the floor.
Projected starting lineups tonight
Toronto
PG Dennis Schroder
SG OG Anunoby
SF Scottie Barnes
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl
San Antonio
PG Jeremy Sochan
SG Malaki Branham
SF Keldon Johnson
PF Zach Collins
C Victor Wembanyama
Toronto Raptors next 5 opponents
Toronto will move on to dates with stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum three times in their next five games. The schedule doesn’t get easier from here on out.
