"After a dominant opening night win against the Atlanta Hawks, the Toronto Raptors have failed to get a second win, losing three straight games as they look to rebound against the Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. The last three games have not been pretty for Canada's team, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks and Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs all grabbing wins over Toronto."
"The defence has been all over the place, checking in with the 22nd-worst defensive rating. Senseless, unconnected pressure and doubles are being thrown at ball handlers and actions, creating major gaps all around the court. The team wants to play aggressively with high pick-up points, but might not have the ability to do so."
"As for the starters, in 52 minutes together, the lineup of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Jakob Poeltl has been losing their minutes, posting a -23 plus/minus and a -18 NET rating. The starting group will more than likely not get a chance to improve these numbers, however, as big man Poeltl is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game due to lower back tightness. The 30-year-old has been battling a bad back since the start of training camp, and had to exit in the fourth quarter because of the issue Monday night against the Mavericks."
Toronto Raptors won their opener against the Atlanta Hawks but then lost three straight games to Milwaukee, Dallas and San Antonio. The team has displayed inconsistent defence, ranking 22nd in defensive rating, with senseless pressure and unconnected doubles creating wide gaps. The starters lineup of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Jakob Poeltl has a -23 plus/minus and a -18 NET rating in 52 minutes together. Jakob Poeltl is listed as doubtful with lower back tightness after exiting Monday's game and has played 92 combined minutes through four games. Poeltl is averaging 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 5.3 personal fouls per game, shooting 75.0 percent from the field and 0-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Read at Raptors Republic
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