Frank Gunn/ THE CANADIAN PRESS
Well, so much for that pick-me-up. The Toronto Raptors will look to snap their first five-game losing streak since they traded away Rudy Gay against the Philadelphia 76ers. Raptors fans, keep this in mind: This team still has the second seed in the east, and they’re in a very good position for post-season success. That’s when this season will be considered a success or not. So relax, and just remember, this is still the same team that won four straight against some of the better teams in the league.
Cage’s Keys to the Game
Facilitate
Dwane Casey and his staff’s decision to sit Kyle Lowry for at least a couple of games is a brilliant one. The Raptors best player is dealing with various ailments, and they’ll need him near 100% in April. In his absence, it will be up to Greivis Vasquez to facilitate the offence. He needs to get the ball moving and dictate the pace during tonight’s game.
Easier Shots
This has been said repeatedly, but this team too often gets into stretches where they settle for contested jumpers. DeMar DeRozan in particular needs to make more of a concerted effort to get to the rim while he’s in the midst of this shooting slump. Also, when he gets there, he needs to finish.
Don’t Let This Slip Away
Even without Lowry, there’s no excuse for losing to the New York Knicks. The Raptors need to continue to take advantage of the dregs of the league as they have for the vast majority of this season. Don’t give the 76ers any hope.
X-Factor: Greivis Vasquez
Vasquez is now in charge of an offence that hasn’t scored more than 100 points during this losing streak. He’ll need to dictate the pace, find easier shots for his team mates, get Jonas Valanciunas more involved than he was against the Knicks, and produce his own share of points. His play will dictate whether Lowry will receive more rest as the Raptors approach the home stretch.
