RAPTORS: Raptors, Celtics Entertain Rome in Preseason Opener
Bargnani, last year’s top overall draft pick by Toronto, played his first game in his hometown in an NBA jersey and scored 13 points in less than 15 minutes.

“Andrea was pretty good. I probably could have done a better job at getting him back in, but I wanted to keep him fresh for tomorrow,” Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said. “I know where Andrea’s at.”

T.J. Ford, who started at point guard for Toronto, led the Raptors with 15 points. Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Jason Kapono, and Bargnani rounded out the Raptors starting lineup.

The sold-out crowd of 11,118 at the Palalottomatica gave Bargnani a standing ovation when he came out for warmups and grew even louder when he scored six of the Raptors’ first eight points, including a three-pointer on his first attempt from the field.