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Another pitiful start sunk the Raptors last night, as their comeback effort took a major hit when Kyle Lowry was ejected, and the team could never recover as they lost to the Kings by 10, 104-94.
A disappointing 1-3 week has the Raptors currently sitting at 17-12, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference as we inch closer to the NBA extravaganza of Christmas day.
The Raps have a chance to win both of their games this week, as they have been competitive against the ever-changing Mavs in the past few years, and on Saturday they'll play the Bucks whom they've already taken down twice this season, though both of those games have been at home.
After Sunday night's loss the team should be angry and come out charged on Tuesday, and after some much needed rest be able to handle the Bucks on Saturday evening for a perfect week of 2-0 basketball.
December 22nd vs. Mavericks - Don't die by the PnR
The Raps already lead the season series, as they took down Dallas early in the season to get to 4-0 behind a monster effort from Kyle Lowry and a 20-5 run to close the fourth quarter. Icing pick and roll's will once again be a defensive priority as the Mavs set a ton of both on and off ball screens, and the communication on defence needs to be at it's best to slow down their high octane offence.
December 26th @ Bucks - No Kidding Around
Bucks head coach Jason Kidd won't be around on the sidelines in this one as he is out indefinitely after hip surgery, although that shouldn't change the game plan much for the Raptors. While the Bucks can be dangerous due to their length at all five positions, the Raps have matched up well with them during the first two meetings this season. If the offence is running smoothly, DeMar DeRozan is being efficient and the defence is up to it's usual snuff than the Raps should have no problem sweeping the series against the Bucks on Saturday night.
What's your prediction for the Raptors' week?