The opener - Raps vs. Cavs

October 28, 11:08 AMToronto Raptors ExaminerBen Fisher

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DeMar DeRozan is set to become the third rookie in Raptors' history to start in his NBA debut.

(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

Gameday: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (The Score, 7:00 pm)

Probable Starters:

Raptors
PG - Jose Calderon
SG – DeMar DeRozan
SF – Hedo Turkoglu
PF – Chris Bosh
C – Andrea Bargnani

Cavs
PG – Mo Williams
SG – Anthony Parker
SF – LeBron James
PF – Anderson Varejao
C – Shaquille O’Neal

Match-up to Watch: DeRozan / Parker

Most eyes will be on the star power in the game, but DeRozan will open his NBA career with an intriguing battle against a crafty veteran and former Raptor in AP. While Parker will be primarily a distributor in the Cavs’ offense, he might have some added motivation to attack the rookie and show his former mates what they’ll be missing this year.

Notes:

The Cavs will have to refocus their attention on a rested Raptors squad after falling 95-89 to the Celtics last night... both teams have chemistry questions heading into the season... look for Wright and Rasho to get significant minutes off the bench to help guard LeBron and Shaq, respectively... Raptors will be in tough up front without Reggie Evans (knee) to battle for rebounds against the likes of Shaq, Varejao, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas... the pre-game video will bring a welcome change from the pre-season’s training-camp-footage-set-to-music debacle... former Raptors on the Cavs: Parker, Jamario Moon.

Recommended Reading:

The Star's preview of the opener, plus a look at the Raps's roster (Doug Smith, Dave Feschuk)

Michael Grange looks at this season and beyond in the Globe & Mail

Steve Buffery discusses season outlook in the Sun

Eric Koreen’s preview of tonight's tilt in the National Post