The Toronto Raptors, losers of seven of their past nine games, have been floundering as of late but have an advantageous opportunity to halt the skid in an afternoon tilt against the visiting New Orleans Pelicans. Toronto (26-13), has won six straight over New Orleans (19-20) by an average margin of seven points and the Pels might be potentially burdened by the absence of superstar/super freak Anthony “Brow” Davis (pictured above) and point guard Jrue Holiday. Both were sidelined in Friday’s 96-81 loss to lowly Philadelphia and are expected to be game-time decisions today. Stay tuned.
Toronto needs to make hay when the sun shines, but seeing as how their high school-like defense surrenders 101.6 points per game, this could be a tall order. The Raptors were torched by the Hawks 110-89, allowing Atlanta to connect on 60.9 per cent in the defeat and have now allowed a ridiculous 115.6 ppg in their past seven losses. I am 5’9″, have no hops/skill and am arguably the worst basketball player in Canada but can envision getting a basket and board against them.
Cage’s Keys to the Game
Home Mojo
The Pelicans are a very uninspiring team away from the Big Easy with a 7-15 record. On the road, New Orleans averages 96.3 points and have been unable to connect from the three with efficiency (31.8 %). They also just lost to the 76ers. The Raptors dominance at home in Sunday afternoon contests has been well documented and the crowd needs to re-energize a desperate squad. Be relentless in the opening minutes, make a few stops and don’t take your foot of the gas. Pizza for all.
Force Turnovers
Similar to the Raptors, the Pelicans struggle to limit turnovers with 12.3 a match. Their lineup features inefficient distributors in Tyreke Evans (3.0 tpg), Jrue Holiday (2.4) and Eric Gordon (1.8) and the Raptors need to be extra opportunistic and aware on the defensive end. Kyle Lowry will grab his usual steal or two, but the rest of the team needs to step up and force scoring opportunities.
Engage The Big Fella
Jonas “hit the bench after you lead the team in scoring” Valanciunas is a great asset on any night, but considering the potential absence of the Brow, his presence could be significantly valuable in today’s tilt. JV has been inexplicably removed from games by coach Dwane Casey when he’s at his best, a tactic that has been well-criticized by fans and has generated comical memes. The big Lithuanian is arguably playing the best basketball of his young career, averaging 14.4 points, 7.3 rebounds on a remarkable .586 % shooting and needs to be a focal point of the offense against the Pelicans.
X-Factor: James Johnson
Johnson had a nice little fantasy night and filled the stat board with 17 points, six rebounds, three dimes and two blocks against the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson leads the team in blocks per game (1.2) and is third in PER (player efficiency rating) with 18, behind Kyle Lowry and JV. His defense, hustle and energy is a constant on any night, but the spike in scoring is a great bonus. Look for the former Wake Forest Demon Deacon to continue his strong play.
