Toronto Raptors play home opener against Bucks amid World Series excitement

SB Nation

It’s a huge day in Toronto sports history, but for the Raptors, it’s just game no. 2 of 82. The Toronto Raptors will welcome the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena for their home opener tonight, but the attention

of everyone will be just two blocks down the street. With the Blue Jays playing game 1 of the World Series tonight, there has been a different energy in the city.

“I think the energy in the city is awesome,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic at practice Thursday. “Talking to [Raptors players] they were blown away by the energy the fans brought to game seven. They feel that same love coming our way as well.”

Rajakovic was more than happy to hear that the Raptors game would start earlier in the evening, so fans could watch the World Series afterward. The Raptors will now tip off at 6:30 pm, abnormally early for a weeknight (even if it’s a Friday), and Scotiabank Arena will play the World Series on the big screen afterward, encouraging fans to stay in their seats and watch the Jays after the final buzzer.

The Youth Movement in Toronto

While Trey Yesavage pitches in his first World Series game — his 7th major league start ever — another young rookie may get his debut for the Raptors. Collin Murray-Boyles could not play on Wednesday with a forearm injury, but is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. He participated in practice yesterday, saying that he “feels good” and will play it by ear today when it comes to being active.

If he does play, it would be his “official” NBA debut, and he’s trying to treat it like any other day.

“I’m just looking at it as another game I want my team to win. I’m really focused on myself and trying to help the team win.” CMB said on Thursday.

In preseason games, Darko specifically assigned CMB to guard players like Jokic and Sabonis to help him adjust to defending those kind of players. The literal and figurative giants of the NBA. Murray-Boyles said he took the opportunity to just see what felt natural in the moment, but then went back and watched film to see what he can improve upon. He knows he is coming into the league as one of the best defenders in the rookie class, but he also wants his offence to catch up to that as well. He is working with the coaching staff in that regard and just trying to soak up all the advice he can.

Murray-Boyles happened to be at game seven of the Blue Jays’ series against Seattle, and said the atmosphere was amazing.

“We are trying to make it to the playoffs and hopefully win a championship, that’s always the main goal,” he said, “but seeing [the Jays] get there gives a little added bonus motivation to get to that spot.”

Playing the Bucks after Crushing Atlanta

The Raptors scored 138 points the other night, beating Atlanta and scoring more points than they did on any night last season. They looked incredible as an offensive unit, something that was pleasantly surprising to onlookers, knowing this team is trying to build on a defence-first mindset.

Now, they face a different challenge. The Milwaukee Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo on their side, and the Greek Freak has the physicality to have a big night. Yet, the Raptors may be more prepped than most to slow Giannis down. Scottie Barnes has a good history of guarding Giannis, and CMB may be thrown in there for a bit. The Bucks also lost Dame Lillard last season when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, meaning they aren’t the powerhouse advertised last season.

If the Raptors can have the same offensive punch they had in Atlanta, plus defend Giannis as well as they are capable of, they could be very successful against the Bucks.