The Toronto Raptors open their 2024-25 campaign at home against Cleveland as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.
The NBA released its regular-season schedule Thursday, with Toronto getting things going Oct. 23 against the Cavaliers. In another key early matchup, the Raptors host Jamal Murray of Kitchener, Ont., and the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 28.
The Raptors will first meet the defending NBA champion and Atlantic Division counterpart Celtics in Boston on Nov. 16. Toronto first hosts Boston on Jan. 16 in the third of their four-game regular-season series.
Hamilton’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montreal’s Lu Dort lead the Oklahoma City Thunder into Toronto on Dec. 5.
The Raptors had a trying 2023-24 season that saw the team trade longtime forwards Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby and start anew with forward Scottie Barnes at the helm alongside guards RJ Barrett of Mississauga, Ont., and Immanuel Quickley.
Toronto went 25-57 in the regular season, good for 12th in the Eastern Conference. It was the Raptors’ first losing season since 2020-21 and second since 2012-13.
The Toronto Raptors are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening game of the 2024-25 NBA season, and fans are buzzing with excitement. This matchup will mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for both teams, as they look to make their mark in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Raptors, who have been a perennial playoff contender in recent years, will be looking to build on their success from the previous season. Led by their star player, the dynamic point guard Kyle Lowry, the Raptors will be looking to make a statement early in the season with a strong performance against the Cavaliers.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. With a talented roster that includes young stars like Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, as well as veteran presence in Kevin Love, the Cavaliers will be looking to start the season off on the right foot with a win against the Raptors.
The opening game of the season is always an exciting time for fans, as it marks the beginning of months of thrilling basketball action. With both teams eager to prove themselves and make a statement early in the season, this matchup between the Raptors and Cavaliers is sure to be a must-watch game for basketball fans everywhere.
So mark your calendars and get ready for what promises to be an exciting start to the 2024-25 NBA season as the Toronto Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers in what is sure to be a thrilling opening game.