The Toronto Raptors look to continue their 3-game winning streak against the Utah Jazz this Friday in what should be a thrilling game.
Back at the crib tonight
It’s @TangerineHoops Raptors Game Day pic.twitter.com/NxXap8ip7A
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 10, 2023
This is the first game the Raptors will be playing since the trade deadline has passed. The Raptors didn’t make too many moves this year at the deadline, which surprised many. They were expected to be sellers at the deadline, but instead, they ended up being buyers.
The Raptors went on to acquire center Jakob Poeltl. He is a former Raptor who played for them from 2016-2018. The Raptors traded center Khem Birch, a first-round pick, and 2 second-round picks to bring back Poeltl.
Welcome back, fam!⁰⁰ #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/oBDSfS9Mt0
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 9, 2023
Thank you, @Khem_Birch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pmqrKffh2h
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 9, 2023
In what was a lot of rumours and speculation that the Raptors would sell off their entire core, including Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, O.G. Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr., they all still remain with the team. That doesn’t mean they won’t get traded during the off-season though. Perhaps the Raptors are just going to wait and see if they can get a better return for those players, as Raptors President of Basketball Operations, Masai Ujiri, stated that the Raptors were never really “active sellers” and he emphasized “patience” despite the missed opportunity to fully embrace a rebuild, especially with young star Scottie Barnes only in his second year playing.
The Utah Jazz are an even opponent for the Raptors, as they both have similar records. The Jazz have a 27-30 record, while the Raptors have a 26-29 record. Both of them are in 11th place in their respective conferences, meaning they both sit just outside of the final play-in spot. Every game is important from here-on-out, as it’s now clear that the Raptors have plans to at least make the play-ins this season.
The Jazz should be with newly acquired point guard Russell Westbrook. They just acquired him at the trade deadline in a 3-way trade involving the Lakers, Timberwolves, and the Jazz.
ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The game will be on at 4:30 (PST), so make sure to remember it!