Toronto Raptors Take On Orlando Magic In London As Part Of NBA Global Games

The Toronto Raptors (24-15) are back in action after a few days off to play a game against the Orlando Magic (20-18) in London, England Wednesday afternoon at the O2 Arena. Earlier during the offseason, many found out that the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors would be apart of the NBA’s Global Games and play in London.

Last years Global Games were held in London and Mexico City, which was a first for the league. NBA teams featured in last years Global Games included the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Both the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic have been featured in games played in London in the past. The Toronto Raptors played in 2011 against the then New Jersey Nets in two games losing both. Although Toronto lost both contests, one game went into triple overtime.

DeMar DeRozan and James Johnson are the only remaining Raptor players currently on the team who participated in the 2011 game. DeRozan scored 30 points in both contests. As for the Orlando Magic, the last time they played in London, England was all the way back in 1993 where they went up against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Raptors are currently riding a three-game win streak after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game on Saturday night. The Toronto Raptors won that game 108-95 with their starting backcourt leading the way. Philadelphia native Kyle Lowry scored 25 points with five assists and six rebounds. DeMar DeRozan had 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Other Raptors who had good games were Jonas Valanciunas (17 points), Terrence Ross (16 points) and Patrick Patterson (11 points). The Raptors are now 3-0 against the Philadelphia 76ers this season.

The Orlando Magic are coming off a 105-99 loss to the Washington Wizards, and are now sitting in eighth place in a competitive Eastern Conference. Nikola Vucevic scored 23 points while Victor Oladipo scored 17 points.

The Toronto Raptors are likely looking for revenge after the Orlando Magic defeated them earlier in the season, 92-87. This was the first loss suffered by the Toronto Raptors in the 2015-16 season after going 5-0 for the first time in team history.

The Orlando Magic have been playing solid basketball thus far with a few wins and loses here and there, so look for them to get back to their winning ways after that embarrassing loss Saturday night. Elfrid Payton is also excepted to be back in the lineup and play. Tip off for todays game is scheduled at 3:00 PM EST. You can catch the game on Sportsnet and NBA TV.