"With an injury situation as dire as any Jay Triano has faced since starting his coaching career in 1985, Raptors players have had to stagger their visits to the training room just to be seen expediently.

Five players, including three starters missed Tuesday's win over the Mavericks and two others have dealt with injuries during the team's three-game road trip. The Raptors coach will send out a markedly different starting lineup Friday against the Rockets from the one that helped defeat Houston 106-96 on Nov. 19. The only holdover will be guard DeMar DeRozan.

"Last time we played this team we had four different starters," Triano said. "A lot of guys are getting more playing time. If there's a silver lining, it's going to accelerate the development for guys that weren't going to get much time."

Andrea Bargnani, the team's leading scorer (21.2), strained his calf on Dec. 23 against the Pistons and stayed in Toronto this week. Reggie Evans, the team's leading rebounder (12.1), suffered a broken foot against the Celtics on Nov. 26 and remains out. Jarrett Jack, who started at point guard against the Rockets in the team's last meeting, has since been traded. It is unlikely that the fourth starter – guard Sonny Weems – will play on Friday, Triano added."