The Toronto Raptors have yet to play their projected starting lineup this season, and that trend will continue in tonight's game against the visiting Orlando Magic.
The Raptors previously downgraded swingman RJ Barrett's status to doubtful hours before tipoff at Scotiabank Arena and have since ruled him out.
It's going to be the third consecutive game Barrett, from Mississauga, Ont., has missed with an undisclosed illness. He leads the team in scoring through 27 games this season, averaging 23.4 points per game to go with 6.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists -- all career highs.
With the recent return of point guard Immanuel Quickley from a lengthy absence due to an elbow injury, the Raptors are inching closer to starting their optimal lineup of Barrett, Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl and Gradey Dick for the first time this season.
That quintet hasn't played together since March 2, when Barnes, Toronto's only all-star last season, broke a bone in his hand. Quickley played in only his fourth game of the season when the Raptors beat the Brooklyn Nets 130-113 on Wednesday to snap an 11-game losing skid.
Aside from Barrett, all three two-ways Jamison Battle, A.J. Lawson and Ulrich Chomche are also out against the Magic. The trio, along with Jonathan Mogbo who's also out as he's been sent down to the G-League on assignment, will suit up for the Raptors 905 in Mississauga on Friday.
-- with files from Sportsnet staff
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