The Toronto Raptors had a 2020-21 NBA season to forget as the franchise missed out on the playoffs.However, the Canada-based franchise still has players from the core of the 2018-19 team that won the championship, and are expected to bounce back this season and claim a berth in the playoffs.In this article, we take a look at the Toronto Raptors' preseason schedule, key dates, and roster for the 2021-22 NBA season.Toronto Raptors roster for the 2021-22 NBA SeasonToronto Raptors v Los Angeles LakersThe Toronto Raptors are known to be one of the best defensive units in the NBA, and they will enter the new season with a plethora of long and versatile players who possess the ability to be difference-makers on the defensive end.The roster is a bit inexperienced with five rookies on it, but Goran Dragic's NBA experience might come in handy for the Toronto Raptors both on the court and in the locker room.In all likelihood, their starting lineup will comprise of a Goran Dragic and Fred VanVleet backcourt, with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby starting at the two forward spots. Chris Boucher is expected to be deployed as a center.Player NamePositionYears in NBAPrecious AchiuwaForward1OG AnunobyForward4Pascal SiakamForward5Justin Champagnie (two-way)ForwardRYutu WatanableForward3Sam DekkerForward4Goran DragicGuard13Fred VanVleetGuard5Khem BirchCenter/Forward4David Johnson (two-way)GuardRFreddie GillespieForward1Sviatsov MykhailiukForward/Guard3Dalano BantonGuard/ForwardRMalachi FlynnGuard1Chris BoucherForward4Ishmail WainrightForwardRReggie PerryForward/Center1Scottie BarnesGuard/ForwardRKey dates for Toronto Raptors entering 2021-22 NBA seasonMedia Day: September 27, 2021 - MondayTraining Camp Start Date: September 28, 2021 - TuesdaySeason Opener: Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors, (October 20th, 2021 - Wednesday, 7:30 PM ET).Toronto Raptors@RaptorsBroadcast schedule is set. Find out where & when you can watch all 82 games below. #WeTheNorth📺 » rpt.rs/3i3g7vI9:51 AM · Sep 23, 20211075122Broadcast schedule is set. Find out where & when you can watch all 82 games below. #WeTheNorth📺 » rpt.rs/3i3g7vI https://t.co/Bx6QtlTuKGThe Toronto Raptors will begin their season with a home game against the Washington Wizards, who will have to negotiate the departure of Russell Westbrook this season.The Raptors possess a stronger roster overall than the Wizards and should be able to commence their campaign with a win.Toronto Raptors preseason schedule and datesThe Toronto Raptors will begin their pre-season with a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, who have been the center of attention this offseason due to the Ben Simmons trade situation.They will play them both home and away, which will be followed by a trip to the Boston Celtics.Toronto Raptors@RaptorsWhen the weather starts to cool, the leaves change from green to a range of yellow or red, and the evening skies get ever clearer, you know what time it is.Looking ahead to 2021-22: rpt.rs/3AoswkI@vivekmjacob | @TangerineHoops3:30 AM · Sep 15, 2021107886When the weather starts to cool, the leaves change from green to a range of yellow or red, and the evening skies get ever clearer, you know what time it is.Looking ahead to 2021-22: rpt.rs/3AoswkI@vivekmjacob | @TangerineHoops https://t.co/kmfBwH9KoXThe Toronto Raptors will round up their preseason by playing games against the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards.Date and TimeMatchTVMonday, October 4th, 7:00 PM ETPhiladelphia 76ers vs Toronto RaptorsSN1Thursday, October 7th, 7:00 PM ETToronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ersTSN2Saturday, October 9th, 7:00 PM ETToronto Raptors vs Boston CelticsTSN2Monday, October 11th, 7:00 PM ETHouston Rockets vs Toronto RaptorsTSN4Tuesday, October 12th, 7:00 PM ETToronto Raptors vs Washington WizardsSN1The Eastern Conference is stacked this season, and the Toronto Raptors will certainly find it difficult to make one of the six playoff spots, which ensure a direct entry to the postseason.A more realistic goal for them would be to enter the playoffs via the Play-In tournament, which they can achieve by finishing in the top 10.