Lakers vs Raptors Preview: A tougher rematch

The Lakers will continue their three-game home stand as they face the Toronto Raptors, whom they just beat last week. This will be the last time these two teams see each other this season.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors

When: 6:30 p.m. PT, Nov 10

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: Spectrum SportsNet

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In my last preview, I wondered how D’Angelo Russell would react to getting benched by JJ Redick as well as whether or not the Lakers could regroup after a nightmare of a road trip. It turns out, it was Redick who reacted by replacing D’Lo in the starting unit for Cam Reddish which led to a strong start and a win against a subpar Sixers team.

Credit to Russell for being professional about this swift change as well as the Lakers for adjusting quickly. While Redick did point out that this wasn’t a permanent move, it’s going to be fascinating to see if it’s one that continues against the Raptors on Sunday.

Remember, the last time L.A. faced Toronto, the rookie coach said that they had their best first half of the young season and that was with Russell in the starting unit.

The Raptors will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but the Lakers should still expect a more competitive fight from them.

For one, it’s never easy to beat the same team twice in a span of a couple of days during the season. Second, remember this Raptors team had a strong late rally in the second half, so they might’ve figured something out and will most likely use it in this rematch.

Another thing to note is that this Raptors team is a little healthier now that Immanuel Quickley is expected to suit up. This is worth mentioning due to Quickley being a speedy, scoring, athletic guard who can give the Lakers’ perimeter defense problems.

In the first match between these two teams, Toronto also feasted in the paint where they scored 68 of their 125 points. It was the biggest reason why they were able to erase the Lakers’ 26-point lead.

So, ideally, Los Angeles will put more pressure on the frontcourt this time around and that will once again fall on Anthony Davis’ long list of duties.

Hopefully, the Lakers will come out with the right game plan and continue to make up for the atrocious road trip they just had by winning this one. Their schedule has lightened up a bit after a tough slate of games to begin the year and it’s time for them to capitalize.

Let’s see if the Lakers do just that and remain undefeated at home.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is listed as probable as well as Jaxson Hayes (left knee soreness).
• Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) remain out.
• Since the Raptors are playing on a back-to-back, they have yet to issue an injury report for tomorrow’s game but it’s worth noting that Quickley (right pelvic contusion) is playing against the L.A. Clippers on Saturday. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes (right orbita fracture), Bruce Brown (right knee arthroscopic surgical procedure), Kelly Olynyk (back lumbar strain) are out.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.