The Toronto Raptors surge into the New Year to take on the Charlotte Hornets, looking for their first win of 2016, and revenge for their tough loss the last time they played.
The Raptors (20-13) are coming off an impressive win against the Washington Wizards, who received an all-star performance by DeMar DeRozan, pouring in a big-time 34 points, along with (finally) the full health of the Raptors’ roster. Tonight’s game allows the roster to start acclimating to one another’s tendencies, considering lengthy time out for two starters in DeMarre Carroll and Jonas Valanciunas.
For Charlotte on the other hand, Al Jefferson is still out, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is out, Jeremy Lin is out (who loves playing the Raptors) whilst Nicolas Batum and Spencer Hawes are game-time decisions. With that being said, for some reason it seems that the Hornets just have the Raptors’ number. Let’s hope tonight they can break the Charlotte curse.
Raptors Cage’s Keys To The Game
Attack the Paint
In the last meeting between these two, the Raps relied heavily on the three-point shot, which bit them right in the behind considering how hard they had to fight to get back into the game. The Raptors went 9 of 39 from the perimeter, and lost the battle of paints in the point. It’s got to be the other way around this game, so the Raptors can force the opposition into foul trouble, allow better perimeter looks, and higher-percentage shots overall.
Intensity from the Start
Holiday eating, New Years champagne, and some extra sleep will be the downside for the Raptors. Games after Christmas, games after New Year, and games after the All-Star break seem to be the hardest for the players to get back into things. To avoid any terrible starts – which they’ve had many of – the Raptors have to get right into the mix early on.
Contain Kemba Walker
Kemba has been a thorn on the Raptors’ side through recent history, attacking the paint, and hitting timely outside shots. It’s going to take a full effort, and different defensive match-ups and adjustments from Dwane Casey in order to at least contain Kemba from doing what he wants on the court. If the Raptors slow his production, the rest of the Hornets are going to find it tough offensively.
X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas
Third game Jonas is back, and with no big time defensive presence, JV must be right in the middle of things, and that’s upon the Raptor ball-handlers to get him the ball early, and consistently throughout the game. He also needs the rhythm to return to his production and play that arguably labelled him as a top 3 big in the Eastern Conference.
