Raptors and Heat Open Historic NBA Preseason Game in Quebec City

A report identifies Raptors guard Jakobe Walter—not Jakob Poeltl—as a starter for the preseason opener. Walter started 19 regular-season games in 2025–26, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes in those starts.
The game is expected to draw around 18,000 fans, giving local supporters an opportunity to watch NBA basketball in Quebec City. The article notes that the league has previously held games in several Canadian cities, but not Quebec City.
The matchup is also set to mark the NBA debuts of rookies Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley.
Both teams had spent only a couple of days in training camp before the game, and their regular-season openers were not scheduled until October 21.
The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat tip off the NBA preseason Saturday at Quebec City's Videotron Centre, marking the league's first-ever game in the city. CBS Sports reports that Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter will start, though his playing time remains unclear. The matchup gives hothothoops fans their first look at both teams' revamped rosters after just two days of training camp.
The game is expected to draw around 18,000 fans to Videotron Centre, offering Quebec City supporters a rare chance to watch NBA basketball live. Fadeaway World reports the Heat dominated in an earlier preseason matchup, winning 129-105. Both rookies Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley are set to make their NBA debuts in the contest.
Ja'Kobe Walter will open the game in the backcourt for the Raptors. CBS Sports notes that Walter started 19 regular-season games during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. His exact playing time on Saturday remains undetermined as Toronto eases into the preseason schedule.
The Heat entered preseason with several new additions to their lineup. roundtable.io reports that Miami added Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro to strengthen their roster. The fresh-faced squad aims to find rhythm before the regular season tips off on October 21.
Both the Raptors and Heat have had minimal time to integrate their new players before Saturday's opener. With only two days of training camp completed, the preseason game serves as an important early test. The matchup allows both coaching staffs to evaluate lineups and build cohesion before the regular season begins in mid-October.
Saturday's contest marks a milestone for the NBA and Quebec City. TSN and hothothoops note this is the league's first official game played in the city, giving local basketball fans a historic opportunity. The approximately 18,000-seat venue at Videotron Centre is expected to be well-attended by supporters eager to witness NBA-caliber basketball.
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