The big day is finally here. The Toronto Raptors will have to face off against the Detroit Pistons, holders of an infamous losing streak that has seen them come up on the wrong end of 28 straight games. Could Darko Rajakovic's team be the one who snaps this skid?
Many inside and outside of the Raptors' fanbase seem to believe this is the game where Detroit will finally break their losing streak. On top of the fact that Detroit narrowly took down the Celtics in Boston, the Raptors are playing not even 24 hours after their own matchup against Boston on the road.
The Raptors should be able to take home a win on paper, but that hasn't stopped them from losing some embarrassing games in the past. Even with Detroit's poor record, the Raptors need to make sure they don't end up as the team that finally snaps the slide and gets consigned to the mediocrity bin in perpetuity.
Pistons must beat Raptors to avoid unwanted history https://t.co/Hy3LDvG8Ee pic.twitter.com/GqrrW41O9u
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 30, 2023
Christian Koloko Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Pistons game
Once again, Koloko remains one of the few players on the Raptors' injury report. His illness has sidelined him since Summer League, and he hasn't played at all this season. While he has progressed to on-court work, he is far away from seeing the court.
Isaiah Stewart Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Pistons game
Stewart has a toe injury that will keep him out for the next handful of games. While Stewart has been up and down this season, losing his ability to hoover up rebounds will give an already thin Pistons team even more problems to overcome as they try to get back on track.
Projected Starting Lineups Tonight
Toronto
PG Scottie Barnes
SG Gary Trent Jr.
SF OG Anunoby
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl
Detroit
PG Cade Cunningham
SG Jaden Ivey
SF Bojan Bogdanovic
PF Kevin Knox
C Jalen Duren
Toronto Raptors next five opponents
The Raptors' schedule includes a Western Conference road trip against teams like Memphis, Sacramento, and Golden State that may determine if the Raptors can sneak into the postseason.
Jan. 1 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Jan. 3 @ Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 5 @ Sacramento Kings
Jan. 7 @ Golden State Warriors
Jan. 9 @ Los Angeles Lakers
Raptors injury report
Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory condition
Garrett Temple-DOUBTFUL-Ankle
Pistons injury report
Isaiah Stewart-OUT-Toe
Monte Morris-OUT-Quad