Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raptors get set to face the champs

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Steph-pre_vsTOR-760

The Toronto Raptors will face the music. A match up against the undefeated Golden State Warriors at the Oracle Arena in Oakland will be tough, to say the least. This game is the second of a five game road trip that started with a loss to the Sacramento Kings two nights ago and will end against the LA Clippers early next week. The Raptors (7-4) are coming off a bad loss to the Kings where they let a 4th quarter double digit lead slip away, largely due to an 11-0 Sacramento run in the final minutes.

Mistakes against the opponent tonight will be punished far worse. The Golden State Warriors are 11-0 and are not only the reigning champions but also have league MVP Steph Curry at the helm. They are not invincible though. The Raptors division rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, gave the champs a considerable scare and were unlucky not to come away with the win in regulation before the Warriors got going in OT. The Warriors hit list this season includes the LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets among others. Toronto has taken wins in the west against Oklahoma City and the Dallas Mavericks.

Golden State does own the record between the two sides especially at Oracle, where they have beaten the Raptors the last 10 times. Tonight shooting guard  Klay Thompson is listed as probable and he was certainly missed in the Warriors game against Brooklyn. Center  Andrew Bogut is also listed to play but will likely come off the bench. Terrence Ross is still going to be out but all starters for the Raptors are expected to play.

Cage’s Keys to the Game

Pound the paint

The Raptors have had a balanced scorecard but have averaged the third lowest assists per game in the league. Isolations and scoring in the paint has been prioritized, and with Golden State expected to have a relatively small lineup, continuing to have success in that area will be paramount if the Raptors are to make some noise tonight. Luis Scola and Jonas Valanciunas will mainly be responsible here.

Bring the D

The Raptors defense is ranked 7th in the NBA for points allowed per game while the Warriors are the highest scoring team. Golden State will look to keep a strong pace in which they hope will lead to the Raptors dropping off offensively. All defensive units, especially DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Lowry, will have to be at their best tonight. Steph Curry often makes it rain 3’s so somehow putting a stop to that could get the Raptors a win.

Boards, Boards, Boards

Rebounding has been one of the Raptors’ biggest strengths this season. Second chance points might very well decide this game. As mentioned earlier the Warriors will look to play at a high pace, so if offensively the Raptors are able to pull down rebounds it will be a factor in slowing Golden State’s pace. On defense it is of the highest importance to not give the Warriors any second chances, every stop tonight is to be cherished and not gifted back.

X-Factor- Jonas Valanciunas

With Andrew Bogut not expected to start and the boards being of high importance Jonas Valanciunas needs a big game tonight. Offensively getting inside the paint, drawing fouls and making every play count is one way the Raptors can win this. On defense, the Warriors don’t have a real inside force, but providing additional help and not letting guys like Harrison Barnes or Draymond Green rebound will be the difference tonight.

 

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