(Photo: Tom Szczerbowski, USA TODAY Sports)
The Toronto Raptors look to keep momentum going after a convincing victory over Los Angeles Lakers. In a game that was more about Kobe’s goodbye to Canada than anything else, the Raptors (13-9) used a big fourth quarter to lift them to a 102-93 win. This time, on a Wednesday Night home game, the Raptors get another chance to prove themselves against championship contender in the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs (18-4) continue to prove their dominance. Ageless veteran Tim Duncan continues to be an excellent rim protector as he and reigning defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard help form the league’s best defense. the game tips off shortly after 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Raptors Cage’s Keys to the Game
Next Man Up
It’s around this time of year where every NBA team’s depth begins to be tested. With long-term injuries to starters Demarre Carroll and Jonas Valanciunas the Raptors will rely on their role players to provide big production. Look for Terrence Ross, who scored a season-high 22 points on Monday, and Bismack Biyombo, an efficient shot-blocker and rebounder, to get extra minutes and they will need to consistent if the Raptors want to have any chance of winning.
Express Yourself
The Raptors cannot spend this game mesmerizing the Spurs’ championship rings or masterful ball movement. They need to come out and play their game. The Raptors can take pride in the fact that both these teams average around 100 points a game and have top-5 defenses. Just like on Saturday Night, the Raptors need to be determined to prove that they have what it takes to compete with the elite of this league.
Attack the Rim
The Raptors have attempted almost 27 free throws a game which is good for 4th in the league. This is largely due to their ultra-aggressive backcourt in Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Cory Joseph. The Spurs are not a team that gives up open shots and play excellent man to man defense. To be specific, the Raptors need to move the ball around and set screens to get guys open, but more importantly to get guys going to the basket.
X-Factor: Terrence Ross
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Against a team like the Spurs you cannot expect your top two players to provide you with 60 or 70 points. You need to spread your scoring around and an athletic, sharpshooting wing like Ross can help provide that extra scoring punch. If he can get his shot going like he did on Monday, then the Raptors will have the opportunity to space out and create holes in the Spurs dominant half-court defense.
