Toronto Raptors need a healthy lineup to beat the NBA’s elite

Marc Gasol (Google Images)

There is no doubt this has been a fantastic season for the Toronto Raptors. With a record of 42 wins and 16 losses, Toronto has the third best record in the NBA. Only the Milwaukee Bucks at 50 wins and eight losses, along with the Los Angeles Lakers at 44 wins and 12 losses are better.

However, in the Raptors game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, basketball fans found out just how much Toronto needs 35 year-old veteran center Marc Gasol of Barcelona, Spain and small forward Norman Powell of San Diego, California. Gasol is out with a hamstring ailment and Powell has been out since February 2 with a broken finger.

In the Raptors 11 point home loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday, forward Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 22 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo notched a double double with 19 points and 19 rebounds. The fact that Antetokounmpo notched 19 rebounds is quite frankly insane. If Toronto faces Milwaukee in the postseason, having a healthy Gasol is not just a requirement, but a need. Put simply, Gasol’s defensive presence makes Toronto a lot better.

Powell meanwhile, has had a solid offensive season as he has career highs in points per game (15.3), field goal percentage (.498) and free throw percentage (.840). Powell’s best game this year came on November 29, when he had 33 points in a 90-83 win over the Orlando Magic. Having a player of Powell’s skill shoot the basketball effectively is important as well.

The Raptors have had a ton of injuries this year, and the fact they are now 26 games above the .500 mark speaks volumes about their stellar depth and their ability to play basketball at a high level mentally, knowing that they cannot rely on the assistance of their 2018-19 star player Kawhi Leonard, because he is three time zones away with the Los Angeles Clippers. There is definitely a spot on the Raptors for Gasol and Powell when they are healthy enough to return. Raptors fans hope their veteran stars are ready to go come playoff time and stay healthy for a second consecutive run for a NBA Finals championship.