The Toronto Raptors are making another change to the starting lineup. After Marc Gasol started at center over Serge Ibaka for the team’s prior two games, Ibaka will return to the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported the change.
Raptors returning Ibaka to starting lineup with Gasol off the bench. Starting with Leonard, Green, Lowry and Siakam.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 5, 2019
Time will tell if this ends up being permanent, or if this had more to do with having the quicker Ibaka playing more against James Harden.
Toronto went 1-1 over the last two games with Gasol in the starting lineup. The Raptors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 119-117 but fell to the Detroit Pistons 112-107 in their last game.
Gasol’s numbers and minutes have taken a drop since Toronto acquired him. With the Memphis Grizzlies, he averaged 15.7 points and 8.6 rebounds in 33.7 minutes per game. With the Raptors, he’s down to 10.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 24.3 minutes a game.