Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raptors take on the Pacers

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AP Photo/AJ Mast

Despite their huge struggles of late, the Toronto Raptors remain as the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They’ll look to remain in that position when they take on the Indiana Pacers in the second night of a back-to-back.

Cage’s Keys to the Game

Swing the Ball

The reason why the Pacers are in the playoff picture without Paul George, and after a poor start, is because they don’t give up easy buckets. They’re third in the league in points allowed, and fifth in the league in rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vasquez need to make sure the ball keeps moving around the court in order to generate points against a staunch Pacers defence.

Contain Stuckey

Rodney Stuckey has been lighting it up for the Pacers since being moved to the bench. Especially without George, the Pacers offence has very few scoring threats. The Raptors bench will need to contain Stuckey. If the Pacers offence can get going, this could be another frustrating night for Toronto. Stopping Stuckey will be key.

Battle of the Boards

The glass is always key when your facing the Pacers. Everybody needs to block out and crash the boards. Amir Johnson will be key against the physically imposing David West. If Johnson can play as well as he did the last time these teams met, the Raptors can come away with a split on this back-to-back.

X-Factor: Amir Johnson

Johnson has been the most inconsistent player on the team this side of Terrence Ross. Granted, injuries have been the culprit to Johnson’s up-and-down play. However, he needs to bring a certain energy and toughness for the Raptors to be successful in April. Tonight, he’ll have to be at his best. West is very physical, and the extra possessions he can create can tip the balance in this game.

 

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