The Toronto Raptors have quickly secured A.J. Lawson on a two-way contract, filling the gap left by D.J. Carton’s recent waiver. Lawson, a native of Toronto, has made a notable impact in the G League with the Long Island Nets, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season.

At six-foot-six, Lawson has demonstrated his scoring prowess, notably scoring 37 points against the Raptors 905. His journey has included stints with several teams, and he now joins a roster with other Canadian players.

The Toronto Raptors have released guard D.J. Carton, opening a spot for a new two-way contract. Carton, who faced injury issues, averaged 1.8 points in his limited NBA appearances but showed promise in the G League.

With Carton's departure, the Raptors now have one two-way position available. Additionally, the Raptors 905 have signed guard Jared Rhoden, who could be a strong candidate to fill this slot, given his recent G League performances.

The New York Knicks are gearing up for a matchup against the Toronto Raptors, but they may be without key players Karl-Anthony Towns and Cam Payne due to injuries. Both players missed the previous game against the Detroit Pistons, which the Knicks lost.

With a crucial NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Atlanta Hawks approaching, the Knicks might prioritize health over immediate game needs. Meanwhile, the Raptors will also be missing Bruce Brown, D.J. Carton, and Immanuel Quickley.

The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Toronto Raptors in a game that holds no playoff implications, as both teams have already been eliminated from the NBA Cup contention. Indiana is dealing with injuries, particularly with starting shooting guard Aaron Nesmith out due to an ankle sprain.

Andrew Nembhard's status is uncertain as he deals with left patellofemoral inflammation, but he showed promise in his recent return from injury. Coach Rick Carlisle praised Nembhard's contributions, highlighting his two-way play and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Raptors are also missing key players, complicating the matchup further.

The 2024-25 Toronto Raptors season marks a pivotal point for the franchise, emerging from a challenging previous year with a youthful roster focused on development.

With key players like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, the team aims to harness their skills while integrating three rookies into the lineup. The focus will be on identifying which players can grow and fit into the long-term vision of the organization.

As they prepare for their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Raptors will rely on a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers to navigate the challenges ahead.