Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets - News - October 07, 2022 | FOX Sports

Alperen Sengun - Practices Saturday Sengun (dental procedure) joined the Rockets for Saturday's open practice, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Impact Sengun's status for the regular-season opener was never in doubt, but it's a good sign that he was back at practice so quickly. In his one preseason appearance, he posted 13 points (5-6 FG, 3-5 FT), five rebounds and three assists across 20 minutes.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jabari Smith Jr. - Sitting out scrimmage Smith (ankle) will not take the floor for Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Impact On a positive note, Smith was present for Saturday's open practice, suggesting the issue isn't particularly serious. His next chance to return to action arrives Monday, though he has another chance to return Friday against the Pacers before the regular season begins Oct. 19 against the Hawks.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dalano Banton - Pops for 14 points in loss Banton tallied 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-5 FT), four assists, two rebounds and one steal in 20 minutes during Friday's preseason loss to the Rockets.

Impact Banton was easily the most productive of all the Raptors' bench players, pushing his claim for more playing time. The Raptors are shallow in the backcourt, meaning Banton could be part of the rotation. He is not a fantasy consideration at this point, but should his role increase, he possesses the tools to have some streaming appeal with his all-around skillset.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Gary Trent Jr. - Serviceable effort in loss Trent closed with 10 points (3-8 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two steals and one assist in 26 minutes during Friday's preseason loss to Houston.

Impact Trent was far from spectacular but managed to rack up a pair of steals in the loss, an element of his game that he will need to maintain should he hope to repeat his efforts from last season. Currently entrenched as a starter, his overall game is built on his ability to score from the perimeter and his defense. While he is a viable target in the mid-to-late rounds, there is very little margin for error when it comes to maintaining said value.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Christian Koloko - Blocks four shots in loss Friday Koloko contributed two points (1-2 FG), four blocks, three rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes during Friday's loss to the Rockets.

Impact With Fred VanVleet taking a break, Koloko moved into the starting lineup, walking away with an impressive four swats. While he failed to do anything else, the defensive upside is tantalizing. He is unlikely to be an every-night part of the rotation to begin the season but is a name to watch should injuries clear a path to more minutes as the campaign progresses.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

KJ Martin Jr. - Productive in starting role Friday Martin ended with 13 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 27 minutes during Friday's preseason win over Toronto.

Impact Martin shifted into the starting lineup Friday, as the Rockets opted to rest a number of their regular starters. Martin has proven the ability to rack up stats when afforded sufficient playing time, something that seems unlikely once the season proper is upon us. He is a name to watch should a larger role somehow present itself but until then, managers can safely look elsewhere when drafting.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Bruno Fernando - Hauls in 10 boards Friday Fernando closed with four points (2-4 FG), 10 rebounds, one assist and one block in 23 minutes during Friday's win over the Raptors.

Impact Fernando moved into the starting lineup, replacing Alperen Sengun who was given the night off. While he was able to grab double-digit rebounds in the victory, there was very little to be excited about when it comes to fantasy upside. Barring an injury to Sengun, among others, Fernando remains well off the radar when it comes to fantasy leagues.

OCTOBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE