The Toronto Raptors are starting a short home-stand against the Houston Rockets, who may be without Kyle Lowry who was unavailable in the 4th quarter of the Miami Heat game. The Raptors (42-32) will be tested against a strong, play-off tested group in the Rockets (49-24) who are hoping to secure 50 wins on the season. In addition to this play-off type battle of two conferences, the marquee match-up of arguably the best shooting guards in the game, DeMar DeRozan and James Harden, will be an exciting duel/match-up to watch. DeRozan, 9th in the NBA in scoring, will go head-to-head against good friend Harden, who is 5th in the league scoring-wise. With Lowry possibly being out, the Raptors can counter, due to Patrick Beverley who sustained a torn meniscus in one of their past game, and Dwight Howard who missed the past couple with an ankle injury. This is a huge test for the Raptors, because of the play-off experience, style, and talent the Rockets possess – it’s a measuring stick to see where the Raptors once again with another one of the elite teams in the Western Conference.
What’s most important about this game, is trying to hold off on the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets in the race for seeding. With Brooklyn’s past win over the Rockets, they are only a game and a half back for the Division title, meaning this game against Houston is a big one in terms of breathing room. For the Bulls, on the other hand, are currently tied with the Raptors for 3rd. This win will give a one game lead, but a loss will lead to Chicago moving into 3rd, with the Raps moving back and possibly matching up with Brooklyn in the first round. That is an unfavourable match-up for the Claws when trying to get to the second round. The Raps will likely need to go around 6-2 to secure that third seed, and with Indiana coming up, this one is a game they would love to have.
Cage’s Keys To The Game
1. Tight Perimeter Defence
The Rockets have one of the best perimeter games in the league, if not the best when considering players like Jeremy Lin, Harden, and Chandler Parsons. Raptors’ fans are very aware of what Lin can do, while Harden and Parsons are as complete perimeter players that one can come by. Due to this, tough, tight perimeter defence is needed. All three players are capable of scoring the ball in countless matters; driving to the hoop, hitting the outside shot, and in transition. Force them to make plays for one another, rather then beat you themselves – they’re capable of exploding and closing this game.
2. Slow The Game Down
Houston is one of the most up-tempo teams offensively, while the Raptors seem to favour the half-court game. Force them to play a slower game, which will play an advantage for the Raptors; preventing fast-break points, easy baskets, and defensive breakdowns (smalls defending bigs, etc).Despite the Rockets having great defensive big men in Dwight Howard (if he plays) and Omer Asik – which could force the Raps to play an outside game – their offence can be stifled with quick, and decisive defence.
3. Play Play-off Style Basketball
This is a great test for the Claws to keep preparing for the play-offs, because of Houston’s weapons both offensively and defensively. Tough, physical, and “I’ll-hit-first” type of play is what grants post-season success. If the Raptors can bang on the inside with the Rocket bigs, weather the storm of any momentum swings or runs, and hit first on both ends, not only will they have a good chance at beating another good western conference team, but they’ll develop an identity of post-season play. For them to have success, they’ll have to bring the energy from the start, and play the full 48 minutes. If the Raptors don’t, they’ll be blown out of the building early in this game, where once again an attempt to climb out of a massive hole will occur, which has been done this season, but not a favourable match-up for them to do against.
X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas
JV has been on a tear in the past couple weeks, but that sort of streak could be affected with the defensive play of guys like Howard (again, if he plays) and Asik. For the Raptors to have success on the inside, Jonas will have to be aggressive offensively – decisive offence – and look big and play smart defensively. While guys like Lowry, DeRozan and team tend to look JV off in the latter parts of the game, it’s up to JV to demand possession; he can really make a huge impact on this type of game, for it’s in his favour. Up-&-down, tough, physical big men, and lots of pick-&-roll, it’s a game specially made for him.
