Looking to get back to the .500 mark on their current homestand, the Toronto Raptors (25-12) will host the lowly Philadelphia 76ers (7-30). Seems like this game couldn’t have come at a better time for the Raptors, who have been struggling since the new year began. The team defense has been a shell of its former self, turnovers have been on the rise, and Kyle Lowry just may be somewhat fatigued from shouldering the load ever since his backcourt running mate DeMar DeRozan went down with a groin injury 21 games ago. The good news is that there is a chance that DeRozan will return tonight; however, banking on the All-Star swingman’s comeback saving the team versus the Sixers isn’t the right idea. The plan is to get back to basics, with or without him. It’s time to play some solid ball again.
Toronto needs to get back on track. Despite going 4-6 over their last ten games, the Raptors have actually added to already significant division lead, so the concern isn’t in the Atlantic— instead, it connects to their slippage the Eastern Conference ranks. They need to get back to taking care of business versus sub-.500 squads; win those games, and at the very least, you stay within striking distance of the suddenly surging number one seed Atlanta Hawks (whom the Raptors will battle two days from now). Let’s get to tonight’s points of emphasis.
Cage’s Keys to the Game
Limit Turnovers
In the loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, the Raptors appeared to be firing on all cylinders on the offensive side of the floor. Toronto shot over 50 percent from the field, and despite an inefficient scoring night from Kyle Lowry, the Raps found themselves with 111 points when all was said and done. What did them in versus the Pistons was the high turnover count. 18 giveaways during any game is never a recipe for success. Although most of the basketball watching population would fail to name half of the players on Philadelphia’s roster, the concept remains— no need to get too cute. Especially when you’re in a slump like the Raptors are right now. Take care of the ball and be fundamentally sound.
Inside-Out Offense
The saying goes: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Not exactly sure why the Raptors appeared to forget this during their recent battle with Detroit. Jonas Valanciunas netted a career high 31 points, going 14 for 15 from the floor in the losing effort. As a team, Toronto had 68 points in the paint against the Pistons. Part of the reason they were defeated was the tendency to get away from this inside attack as they game progressed. Part of going back to basics is taking – or at least looking for – easier shots (which are inevitably closer to the basket). This isn’t to say that the Raptors should refrain from any jumpers tonight, but rather to emphasize the importance of looking for interior opportunities prior to settling for deeper looks— especially early in the clock. Side note: if JV gets hot again, continue to feed him, and don’t forget to keep him involved.
Defensive Intensity
We all know the Sixers are in the midst of a blatant tanking effort, but the fact remains: Toronto needs a win tonight, and the defense has noticeably regressed. Why not utilize the opportunity versus a team with less talent to get back into the habit of constantly communicating, rotating correctly, and pulling down defensive boards to close out possessions just like the good old days (last season)? If playing to the level of the competition is a problem, just pretend that Philadelphia is a title contender. The Raptors need to do whatever it takes. A loss tonight could potentially result in panic buttons being pushed across the country.
X-Factor: Terrence Ross
The Terrence Ross – K.J. McDaniels matchup could actually be a fun one to keep an eye on. Against a surprisingly sound young defensive wing player in McDaniels, it should be interesting to see how Ross approaches offense tonight. We’ll see if he stays aggressive, or if he fades into the background.
