Raptors open preseason against revamped Heat in Quebec City
The game marks the first NBA Canada Series contest to be held at Centre Vidéotron.
QUEBEC CITY · The Toronto Raptors open their 2026-2027 preseason schedule against the Miami Heat in Quebec City on Tuesday night. The game is part of the NBA Canada Series, a tradition since 2012 that brings games to cities across the country. This marks the first time the series will be hosted at Centre Vidéotron, having previously visited Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton and Winnipeg. The Heat arrive with a significantly altered roster featuring offseason additions Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis Jr. Toronto will counter with defensive versatility from Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard and Collin Murray-Boyles. Leonard has a history of making things difficult for Antetokounmpo, and Murray-Boyles often thrives as an undersized centre. Perimeter defenders Ja'Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley will be tasked with closing out on Miami's shooters.
The performance of both teams' benches could decide the contest, as players on the roster bubble audition for regular season minutes. For Toronto, newly-extended guard Jamal Shead, rookie Allen Graves, and players like Tyreke Key, Chucky Hepburn and Alijah Martin could see significant action. Miami's bench will also be under scrutiny. Toronto's depth players have proven to be solid defenders with a competitive mindset, which could be crucial in a tight game.
Player availability remains somewhat unclear for the preseason contest. Some Raptors, including Jamison Battle, Kyle Anderson and Allen Graves, sat out a recent open scrimmage due to various ailments, though their status for Tuesday is unknown. For Miami, Keshad Johnson (right hamstring strain) and Dru Smith (calf strain) are confirmed absences. The projected starting lineups feature Leonard, Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Barrett and Quickley for Toronto, while Miami is expected to start Davion Mitchell, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. Following this game, the Raptors will continue their preseason preparations with a contest at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Their regular season opener is scheduled for Scotiabank Arena against the New York Knicks.
With files from Yahoo Sports