Raptors vs. Spurs Preview: Castle Remains Out as Raptors Aim to Avoid Third Straight Loss

On July 22, the NBA Summer League continues with a match between the Raptors and the Spurs.

The Raptors suffered a heavy defeat against the Heat in their last game, which marked their second consecutive loss. They have a record of two wins and two losses in four summer league games. In their first game, the Raptors beat the Thunder 94-69; the team performed very well overall, with Dick starting and scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Rookie Walter struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-6 from three-point range but still managed to score 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. Fortunately, Larson and substitute Liberty were in good form, helping the Raptors secure the win with a strong fourth quarter performance.

In their second game, the Raptors narrowly defeated the Nuggets 84-81. Nuggets’ Strauson scored an impressive 32 points, but the Raptors had multiple contributors. Walter found his shooting touch in this game, contributing 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists – he was the only starter for the Raptors to score in double digits. Liberty added 16 points and 5 rebounds. The Raptors delivered a solid performance overall. In their third game against the Jazz, the Raptors suddenly lost momentum in the second quarter. Despite a furious comeback attempt in the final quarter, it was too late, and they lost 76-86. Liberty continued his excellent form, shooting 7-of-14 for a team-high 24 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Apart from Liberty, no other Raptors player scored in double digits, and Walter’s outside shooting remained cold. Ultimately, the Raptors lost the game.

In their most recent game, the Raptors suffered a crushing 73-109 defeat at the hands of the Heat. Their perimeter defense was poor, allowing the Heat to shoot over 50% from three-point range, hitting 14 threes. On the Raptors’ side, only two players scored in double figures. Walter led the team with 16 points and 1 rebound. Unfortunately, Liberty had an off night, and against the hot-shooting Heat, the Raptors had no chance.

Regarding the Spurs, before losing to the 76ers, they had won four straight games, giving them a record of four wins and three losses in seven summer league games. Rookie Castle has been performing well. In the game against the Chinese national team, Castle scored 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, followed by another 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in a subsequent game. However, Castle missed the next two games due to injury, yet the Spurs still secured two victories on the back of their strong team play.

In their last game, the Spurs lost 80-96 to the 76ers, with Castle absent again. Ingram scored 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Ward and Bouye also reached double figures. However, against the 76ers, who had Consil, the Spurs were unable to turn the tide.

Whether Castle will play in tomorrow’s game will directly impact the Spurs’ fate. The outcome of the Raptors vs. Spurs match is uncertain, and we’ll have to wait and see who comes out on top.

Raptors Roster: #0 Liberty, #1 Dick, #2 Mogbo, #3 Carlton, #12 Timi, #14 Walter, #16 Gueye, #21 Girard, #22 Shams, #23 Shade, #30 Achiuwa, #31 Disu, #32 Perry, #35 Carlson, #44 Omari Moore, #77 Beterou

Spurs Roster: #7 Duke, #15 Bouye, #17 Nelson, #18 Horn, #19 Musa, #25 Sissoko, #27 Avdulovic, #29 Darell Green, #31 Mensah, #34 Minix, #35 Ward, #36 Milner, #37 Trafford, #41 Gray, #55 Ingram, #59 Hodges, #97 Donovan Williams