The Raptors will want to erase the memory of yesterday's disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets. In case you needed reminding, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan both got ejected, and the Raptors defence was non-existent as the Rockets tallied a 112-109 victory. With a playoff spot clinched, the Raptors are afforded the luxury of resting players and playing it conservative with respect to minutes allocation. But as the end of the season nears, it'd certainly be nice to pick up wins on nights like tonight in order to keep the engine firing on all cylinders.
The Pelicans are in the midst of a nightmare season. Injuries and underperforming players have been a staple from November onwards, and a team that looked to be a lock for a playoff spot and on the rise in the West is now left to pick up the pieces at the end of the season. Anthony Davis has been shut down for the whole year, Jrue Holiday's struggled with injuries, and Coach Alvin Gentry hasn't exactly been the revelation everyone thought he'd be when he joined the Pelicans after winning the title with Golden State. Now at 26-45, the Pelicans' rotation is a mishmash of journeymen that are just riding this season out into the sunset. In any case, this one seems ripe for the Raptors' taking.
Things to Watch For
Raptor Killer Alexis Ajinca
I have to admit, there's nothing to get excited about for this game, so I'm just going to have some fun with this. Alexis Ajinca is generally not good at basketball but had 22 and 9 agains the Pacers in his last game and regularly destroys the Raptors so let's not let him look like Wilt Chamberlain tonight.
Luke Babbitt is a man who shoots
Luke Babbitt is not good but he shoots threes at a 37% clip. I hate when scrubs start hitting shots agains the Raptors. Don't let Luke Babbitt get hot like he's JJ Redick at Duke.
Kendrick Perkins is a basketball player?
He's on this team. So is Omer Asik. Jonas Valanciunas should dominate.
Where to Watch: Sportsnet One, 7:00pm