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At a time when it seems like the NBA might start moving games to E!, it’s nice that the Raptors are completely drama-free.
The biggest storylines around this team right now? Their two best players are in the All-Star game, the young guys are very fun (seriously, ridiculously fun — read Alex Wong’s profile of the bench over on Vice Sports), and their head coach is just a couple of wins away from coaching the Easte- excuse me, Team LeBron in the All-Star Game.
With Stevens & Kerr ineligible, Raptors & Rockets each need just 2 wins between now & Feb. 4 to send their coaches to the All-Star Game.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) January 24, 2018
Meanwhile, the Celtics are losing games in bunches, and the Cavaliers seem to be imploding before our very eyes. For Toronto, it’s no time to play down to the competition. The number one seed is within their reach, and the schedule says they can go get it.
Tonight begins a lighter week, with games in Atlanta, and then at home against Utah (“Welcome Toronto” night) and the Lakers. Can the Raptors get a streak going and claim that top spot in the conference going into the break? Anything is possible, folks.
Let’s reach for the sky, read the full game preview by.... me!, and get into the game details.
Where to Watch
Sportsnet One, 7:30 PM ET
Lineups
Toronto - Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas
Atlanta - Dennis Schröder, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, Ersan Ilyasova, Miles Plumlee
Injuries
Toronto - none
Atlanta - DeAndre’ Bembry (groin)