Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raptors Look To Clinch Atlantic Division Against Knicks

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Courtesy of cbc.ca
Courtesy of cbc.ca

One is the magic number.

The Toronto Raptors look to clinch the Atlantic Division for the second time in franchise history as they host the befuddled New York Knicks Friday night at the Air Canada Centre.

A victory would not only cement a division title, but also would match the team’s record for victories in a season (a feat accomplished in 2000-2001 and 2006-2007).

Both teams had divergent seasons this year. Toronto (46-32), post Rudy Gay, has been the Cinderella story of the NBA – winning with determination, work ethic and selflessness. The club continues to win games without a true “star” and will be a contender for years to come. On the other hand, New York (33-45) has been a train-wreck. The Knicks entered the season as favourites to win the Atlantic but are on the outside looking in as they trail the Atlanta Hawks by two games for the final spot in the East.

The Raptors have all the motivation to get the job done tonight – let’s keep the good times rolling.

Here are the Cage’s Keys to the Game

Pound The Glass

I was a bit surprised to see New York ranking in the bottom of NBA rebound statistics since the frontline of Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony is quite athletic and long. However, the stats verify that the Knickerbockers are an abysmal rebounding team as they only average 40.5 rebounds per game while the Raptors average 42.4. In light of this statistical discrepancy, the Raptors should focus on boxing out and limiting second chance scoring opportunities.

Limit Andrea Bargnani’s Superb Rebounding

Lol. Just kidding.

Overlook The Backcourt

One could argue that New York’s backcourt of Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith is not only the worst in the Eastern Conference, but the entire NBA. The Knicks lack scoring and playmaking ability from their guards and it shows in the numbers – both starters have combined for 23.8 points and 8.7 assists. Look for the Raptors to devote extra attention to the Knicks forwards.

Keep Carmelo Anthony In Check

Carmelo Anthony was limited at practice Wednesday with a sore shoulder but is expected to play Friday. Anthony has been a been quiet in his past two contests as he has only averaged 11.5 points on 29 per cent shooting. The former No. 3 pick in the 2003 Draft is having yet another fantastic year with averages of 27.5 points, 3.1 assists and 8.2 rebounds and can score in a flash – expect Dwane Casey to enforce double coverage on the gifted forward.

X-factor: Jonas Valanciunas 

Loved what I saw from JV Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lithuanian sophomore scored 26 points (10-14 FG, 6-8 FT) to go with 12 rebounds and two blocks. It was his third double-double in his past five games and hopefully he can put his personal incidents aside and continue to play great basketball.

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