Raptors vs. Pistons: The focus returns to basketball

After what feels like an eternity of snacking and football hot takes, the Toronto Raptors return to the court tonight to take on the Detroit Pistons. After spending a bit too much emotional energy on the Super Bowl, it'll feel good for me personally to get back into the flow of the NBA regular season, with plenty on the line for the Raptors as they approach All-Star break. They're two games back of Cleveland for first in the East, with the Cavs playing at home against Sacramento tonight. There's a chance the gap could dwindle.

The Raptors haven't played since Thursday's win over Phoenix and I can't imagine Detroit's nightlife is a world-beater, so there should be fresh legs going into this one. As Michael Hoad wrote in his preview this morning, Detroit presents some challenges with Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson, and Toronto blew a big lead a week ago when these teams last met. Considering the Pistons have maintained mediocrity and will be missing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope though, a win is there to be had.

After this, it's Minnesota and then the festivities begin. Now let's get to the comments.