Toronto Raptors Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Season

The Toronto Raptors are preparing for a challenging start to the season, facing tough opponents including the Cleveland Cavaliers and a five-game West Coast trip early on. Coach Darko Rajaković emphasizes a day-by-day approach, even as the Raptors face significant early-season adversity, including injuries to key players like RJ Barrett and Ja'Kobe Walter, both of whom are working back from injuries but may not be ready for the season opener. Despite these setbacks, players like Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick have shown promise during preseason, with Barnes improving his shooting and defense, while Dick has demonstrated growth in multiple facets of his game. The Raptors' performance in the upcoming games will be critical to gauge their competitiveness, particularly with a potential rough start looming. The team's depth and ability to adapt will be tested as they aim to develop amid rebuilding efforts and aspirations to secure a high draft pick for the future. Overall, the Raptors have the potential to surprise, but the outlook remains uncertain given their current challenges.