Raptors aim to halt slide against struggling Clippers

INGLEWOOD · The Toronto Raptors will try to end a recent skid when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night in California. The Raptors have lost three of their last four games, including a 131-125 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Scottie Barnes scored 29 points in that loss, while R.J. Barrett added 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Clippers, meanwhile, have lost five consecutive games, most recently falling 124-112 to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

Both teams are dealing with significant injury issues. The Raptors will be without star forward Kawhi Leonard due to swelling in his left knee. The team announced on October 27 that Leonard would undergo a therapeutic and rehabilitation program, with an initial absence of at least one week. Reuters reported his absence could reach up to four weeks.

Barnes has shouldered a larger offensive load in Leonard's absence, averaging 24.8 points per game through the first six contests. The Raptors hold a 3-3 record entering Monday's game. The Clippers' injury report includes Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Miller, and Yannick Konan Niederhauser. Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones Jr. are also set to miss Monday's game due to injury. The Clippers opened the season with a victory but have since dropped five straight, with three of those losses coming by double digits. Their offense ranks 26th in the league, a major challenge against a Raptors defense that ranks fifth in defensive rating.

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Recent history favors the Clippers, who have won seven of the last eight meetings against Toronto since the 2022-2023 season. They have also won four consecutive home games against the Raptors. The all-time series between the two franchises is tied at 30 wins apiece. The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Monday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

"Barnes had a strong start to the season, averaging 24.8 points per game in the first six matches, along with 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists, numbers that reflect the importance of his role in building attacks and creating opportunities, especially with Leonard’s absence."

The Raptors' early season included wins over the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards before Leonard's injury. Garbutt Disposal reported last week on a 121-114 loss to the Orlando Magic in an NBA Cup opener. The Clippers' struggles are in line with preseason projections that pegged them as a bottom-feeder in the league. The teams are linked by the offseason trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, a move followed by a penalty against the Clippers due to the Aspiration scandal involving Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer. The Raptors are listed as 4.5-point favorites for Monday's contest, with the total points line set at 219.5.

With files from DraftKings Network