The Toronto Raptors and its former main man, Kawhi Leonard, are battling it out for the first time since Leonard left via free agency last July. The two sides are doing well, as the LA Clippers have become solid title contenders and the Raptors have been exceeding expectations thus far.

Banged up but not down

The 7-2 Raptors are missing the services of Kyle Lowry, who’s out for at least two weeks with a thumb fracture, and Serge Ibaka, whose ankle injury doesn’t have a timetable yet. Both were very ill-timed, considering how the team has been growing without a true superstar.

Still, it can be expected that the Raptors will take the losses in stride. They are 7-2 on the season, winners of three straight, and fresh off snapping the Los Angeles Lakers’ seven-game winning streak, 113-104. It was a good first showing following Lowry and Ibaka’s injuries.

Pascal Siakam (24 points and 10 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet (23 points and 10 assists) led the offense in the recent victory and posted double-doubles. As the Raptors’ duo for the time being, we should continue seeing the two produce good numbers, particularly the ever-improving Siakam (27.4 PPG, 9.4 RPG).

Chris Boucher is one Raptor to lookout for while the team is depleted. The long-armed, 6’9 forward is a developing defensive prospect that could see big minutes for a while. He played well against the Lakers off the bench, chipping in 15 points, two steals, and three blocks on 7-for-11 shooting.

The big spotlight on Kawhi

Even with the Raptors being incomplete, a lot of eyeballs will be on Kawhi Leonard for the game. He’s the best two-way player in the game and would always respond well when the lights are bright.

While taking heat for the whole “load management” issue this past week, Kawhi showcased his clutch gene and guided the Clippers in a 107-101, come-from-behind road win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Klaw scored 27 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, which was also his second time this season scoring that much points in the final period.

The Clippers’ trio

The 6-3 Clippers are the only team to currently have three players average more than 20 points per game – Leonard (29), Lou Williams (22.4), and Montrezl Harrell (20.4).

PREDICTION:

The Clippers take advantage of the fatigued Raptors, who are on the second night of a back-to-back, and win.