The Toronto Raptors will be missing virtually half of their team when they take on the Orlando Magic on Friday. Reports state that Kyle Lowry is among six players that are likely to miss Friday's tilt.
According to Blake Murphy of The Athletic, Lowry will be joined by Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby on the sidelines:
Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby will all rest tomorrow against the Magic.
DeAndre' Bembry, Jalen Harris, and Gary Trent Jr. are all doubtful.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) April 15, 2021




The trio of DeAndre' Bembry, Jalen Harris, and Gary Trent Jr. could all suit up for Toronto on Friday, but odds are, they are also going to watching from the sidelines. This will leave the likes of Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher carrying much of the load for the Raptors.
The fact that the Raptors have decided to rest some of their key players could speak volumes of the team's current objectives. Right now, Toronto is six games outside the playoffs picture in the Eastern Conference, and it appears that they have all but given up on the season already. Are the Raptors tanking right now?
To be fair, Orlando is not exactly the most formidable of opponents. The Magic own the second-worst record in the East and are themselves well on their way to a lottery pick in this year's draft. Nevertheless, if the Raptors are indeed still gunning for a postseason spot, then resting their key guys isn't exactly the best tactic. One could argue, though, that the playoffs are now beyond their reach, so at this point, embracing the tank might just be Toronto's best option. There's always going to be next year.