The Toronto Raptors open up a five-game road trip against Western Conference opponents on Monday when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers.
Toronto looks to get back on track after a week of ups and downs that was highlighted by a win over the Philadelphia 76ers but closed with a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons. With Goran Dragic starting in place of the injured Fred VanVleet, it was Pascal Siakam (25) and Gary Trent Jr. (23) that combined for 48 points to pace the Raptors' offence.
TAKEAWAYS: Siakam turns in big night, but Raptors' comeback falls short
Despite falling out of the rotation for some time, Dragic was ready when his number was called, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes of action. Dragic might be called upon to reprise that role in Portland as VanVleet remains on the injury report with groin soreness.
It could be a battle of backup point guards as Portland was without All-Star Damian Lillard in its last outing. Lillard, who is dealing with an abdominal injury, is said to be day-to-day, per head coach Chauncey Billups.
In Lillard's absence, fourth-year guard Anfernee Simons got the start, but his 16 points (on 6-for-11 shooting), five rebounds and four assists weren't enough, as the Blazers fell to 6-8 on the season after suffering a 124-95 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Portland has now lost three of its last four.
Of course, you can't talk Blazers without mentioning a familiar face in Norman Powell, who will go against the Raptors for just the second time in his career Monday night. Through 12 games this season, Powell is averaging 17.1 points while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from deep.
MORE: Trent is answering the call on defence
Monday night will also mark Gary Trent Jr.'s first time back in Portland since last year's trade, making for an entertaining subplot for tonight's matchup.
Who will come out on top?
What channel is Raptors vs. Trail Blazers on?
- TV channel: TSN (Canada), Root Sports or NBA League Pass (U.S.)
- Radio: SN 590
What time does Raptors vs. Trail Blazers start?
- Date: Monday, Nov. 15
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET | 7:00 p.m. PT
Raptors vs. Trail Blazers injury report
(As of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 15,)
| Team | Player | Current Status | Reason |
| Raptors | Precious Achiuwa | Questionable | Injury/Illness – Right Shoulder; Tendinitis |
| Isaac Bonga | Out | G League – On Assignment | |
| Chris Boucher | Questionable | Injury/Illness – Back; Lower - soreness | |
| David Johnson | Out | G League – Two-Way | |
| Fred VanVleet | Questionable | Injury/Illness – Left Groin; Soreness | |
| Yuta Watanabe | Out | Injury/Illness – Left Calf; Strain | |
| Trail Blazers | NOT | YET | SUBMITTED |
Raptors next five games
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Venue |
| Monday, Nov. 15 | at Trail Blazers | 10:00 p.m. | Moda Center |
| Thursday, Nov. 18 | at Jazz | 9:00 p.m. | Vivint Arena |
| Friday, Nov. 19 | at Kings | 10:00 p.m. | Golden 1 Center |
| Sunday, Nov. 21 | at Warriors | 8:30 p.m. | Chase Center |
| Wednesday, Nov. 24 | at Grizzlies | 8:00 p.m. | FedEx Forum |
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