"Navigating their last two contests without the team's only true center, veteran Jakob Poeltl, who is currently dealing with a back issue, the Raptors have had to experiment with their starting lineup. They've taken a route that pays homage to recent years, reflecting the style of the current NBA, and also offering a glimpse into the future - all at the same time."
"But then again, I think about the small ball Rockets squad from a few years ago. If you still recall, the Rockets traded their long-time big man Clint Capela in favor of adding defensive ace Robert Covington, a 6-foot-7 wing mind you, and was slotted in to play the center role alongside PJ Tucker, who was a 6-foot-5 wing himself."
Jakob Poeltl is sidelined by a back issue, prompting the Raptors to experiment with a small-ball starting lineup. The quintet of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has produced two straight wins and improved offensive results, with Toronto ranking 10th in offense. Ingram, Barnes and Barrett have been especially strong on offense while Barnes and Murray-Boyles have shown defensive chemistry. The lineup features four players taller than 6-foot-6 but none exceeding 6-foot-8, creating more spacing and a faster pace reminiscent of prior small-ball strategies.
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