The Raptors continue their season high six-game homestand by hosting Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are winless in their own division this season, but they’ll have a good shot to change that tonight against a Sixers team that has lost four straight.
The Raptors came crashing back to earth at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. Toronto was never as bad as it appeared when they were 4-19 and they aren’t as good as their recent stretch – winning eight of nine – made them appear. Tonight was one of the uglier performances of the season, as the Raptors starters couldn’t find any rhythm at either end of the floor.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
The Raptors are looking for their 7th win in 8 games tonight in Orlando. These two teams met just 8 days ago with Toronto prevailing 93-90.
Start time: 7:00 PM ET
Channel: TSN
Probable starting lineups
Toronto: Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Mickael Pietrus, Ed Davis, Aaron Gray
Orlando: Ish Smith, Arron Afflalo, Moe Harkless, Andrew Nicholson, Nikola Vucevic
Injury report
Toronto: Andrea Bargnani and Jonas Valanciunas are out
Orlando: Jameer Nelson, E’Twan Moore and Glen Davis are out
Random Thoughts:
Memories of Al Jefferson’s game-tying three-pointer resurfaced when Ryan Anderson bounced home a game-tying three pointer with 8 seconds left in regulation. However, Toronto showed great poise by not allowing that to affect their effort in OT. Learning how to win close games will be crucial for this team as they mature.
Five Alive!
A 9-19 record only looks good when the team starts 4-19. What appeared to be a lost season with no draft pick has very quickly turned into something worthwhile. Hope doesn’t come from the fact that Toronto sits five games out of the eighth seed in the East. Hope comes from the style of basketball we’ve seen over the last six games.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
