The Raptors close out the calendar year at home when they host the LA Clippers on New Year's Eve.
In their last outing, a shorthanded Raptors team put forth a valiant effort but came up short against the 76ers. Toronto's efforts were led by Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher, with Boucher delivering his best performance of the season with 28 points and a career-high-tying 19 rebounds.
TAKEAWAYS: Raptors don't have enough to keep up with 76ers
The Raptors inch closer to full strength on Friday as OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet have all cleared the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols, while Precious Achiuwa and Khem Birch could suit up against the Clippers as well.
After missing the last two games, VanVleet returns to action with a bright outlook for the rest of the season.
“I think this is our chance after kind of a reset period to ramp it back up.” - VanVleet on where the team is.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) December 30, 2021
The Clippers enter Friday night after earning a 91-82 road win over the Celtics, in which Marcus Morris Sr. led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. LA is shorthanded itself, as it has been without Kawhi Leonard all season, while Paul George is out until at least mid-January with a torn UCL.
MORE: Will Clippers survive without Leonard and George?
In their absence, the Clippers are relying on the contributions of Terance Mann and Luke Kennard, among others.
They'll also have to do so without head coach Tyronn Lue, who was placed in the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols on Friday.
Friday night also marks the return of Serge Ibaka, who takes the floor at Scotiabank Arena for the first time since leaving the Raptors via free agency in 2020. Ibaka appeared in 228 regular-season games and 55 playoff games over four seasons with the Raptors, winning the NBA title in 2019.
Can Toronto close 2021 out with a win?
What channel is Raptors vs. Clippers on?
- TV channel: Sportsnet (Canada), Bally Sports SoCal and League Pass (United States)
- Radio: SN 590
What time does Raptors vs. Clippers start?
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 28
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Raptors vs. Clippers injury report
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
| Raptors | Precious Achiuwa | Available | Return to Competition Recondition |
| Scottie Barnes | Questionable | Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Tendinitis | |
| Khem Birch | Available | Return to Competition Recondition | |
| Isaac Bonga | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Justin Champagnie | Available | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Goran Dragic | Out | Not With Team | |
| David Johnson | Out | Injury/Illness – Left Calf; Strain | |
| D.J. Wilson | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Clippers | Nicolas Batum | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Ankle; Sprain |
| Brandon Boston Jr. | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Paul George | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Elbow; Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear | |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Ankle; Sprain | |
| Reggie Jackson | Questionable | Return to Competition Reconditioning | |
| Kawhi Leonard | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Knee; ACL - Injury Recovery | |
| Jason Preston | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Foot; Injury Recovery | |
| Jay Scrubb | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Moses Wright | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Ivica Zubac | Out | Health and Safety Protocols |
Raptors next five games
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Location |
| Dec. 31 | vs. Clippers | 7:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
| Jan. 2 | vs. Knicks | 3:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
| Jan. 4 | vs. Spurs | 7:00 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
| Jan. 5 | at Bucks | 8:00 p.m. | Fiserv Forum |
| Jan. 7 | vs. Jazz | 7:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
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