It’s hard to believe summer is behind us, and tonight marks the kickoff of the 2026-2027 preseason with the Toronto Raptors playing their first game. True to tradition, this is one of two NBA Canada Series games this year, with Quebec City hosting for the first time at Centre Vidéotron. Since 2012, this series has been a fantastic way to bring Canada’s team closer to fans across the country, having previously been held in cities like Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
The Raptors will go up against a revamped Miami Heat squad that added new talents over the summer, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis Jr. Preseason often serves as a time to organize and finalize rosters, but fans can look forward to glimpses of stars like Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Giannis, and Bam Adebayo, hinting at an exciting rivalry ahead.
Miami’s formidable size will be a major factor in the game. Their frontcourt features near-seven-foot Nick Richards, Giannis (6’11”), Nikola Jovic (6’10”), as well as Bam and Bobby Portis Jr., both standing at 6’9” and over 250 pounds. This size advantage offers them strengths on both offense and defense, with strong rebounding and the ability to dominate physically in the paint. Additionally, veteran sharpshooters Hardaway Jr. and Thompson provide Miami with reliable threats from beyond the arc, ready to capitalize if interior space becomes congested.
While Toronto lacks the same size presence, they’ll depend heavily on the defensive skills of Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard, and Collin Murray-Boyles. Despite being smaller, their impressive wingspans and agility let them defend bigger opponents effectively. Kawhi has already shown he can challenge Giannis, and CMB is comfortable playing as an undersized center. Toronto’s wing defense will need to be sharp in limiting Miami’s perimeter shooters like Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, all of whom must stay vigilant with quick closings and contesting shots.
This matchup will likely be decided by bench contributions. Both teams will be evaluating their fringe roster players such as Jamal Shead, rookie Allen Graves, Tyreke Key, Chucky Hepburn, and Alijah Martin. These players must step up and make an impact if their teams hope to come out on top.
Fortunately for Toronto, these bench players have shown strong defensive commitment and a competitive mindset, eager to earn regular-season minutes. Regardless, it’s exciting to see the Raptors back in action, especially on Quebec City’s home court!
Injury Update: Some Toronto players missed an open scrimmage recently due to minor injuries, potentially affecting Jamison Battle, Kyle Anderson, and Allen Graves’ availability for tonight’s game. Miami will be without Keshad Johnson and Dru Smith, sidelined with a right hamstring strain and a calf strain, respectively.
Projected Starters:
Toronto: Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
Miami: Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo
Broadcast Info:
Catch the game tonight at 7:00 PM ET on TSN.
Fan Take:
This preseason game is a thrilling preview of what could be a dynamic season, showcasing the blend of established stars and up-and-coming talent. For basketball fans across Canada, it’s a reminder of the sport’s growth and the increasing accessibility of high-quality NBA action beyond traditional markets.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
