Raptors vs. Pistons Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info and more

Hey guys. Positive Pete, checking in to let you know that five wins in a row can be celebrated, no matter how they happened.

There’s no reason to hit the panic button because the Raptors look like they’re sleepwalking through the schedule right now. Reality checks are for suckers — it seems like this team is always a four-minute bench blitz away from a blowout win!

That’s exactly what happened last night at home against Atlanta, as Toronto looked horri-awful for the first three quarters, then sensational in the last. They got through some rough patches with Tony Brothers, some bad basketball from both first and second units, and came out with another W.

Now, it’s across the border to Detroit for the second night of a back-to-back. Even with Blake Griffin in tow, the Pistons are failing to take advantage of a newly competitive three-through-eight race in the Eastern Conference. Right now, they’re in ninth after losing three straight games.

They’ll also be in tough(er) without Stanley Johnson, who was a late scratch with back spasms.

Let’s see if apathy finally results in a loss for the Raptors, whether they’re just too damn good to lose in spite of themselves, or whether they wake up!

Check out Joel Stephens’ game preview, and read the game details.

Where to Watch

TSN 4/5, 8:00 PM ET

Lineups

Toronto - Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Detroit - Ish Smith, Reggie Bullock, James Ennis III, Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond

Injuries

Toronto - OG Anunoby (not with team - ankle)

Detroit - Stanley Johnson (back spasms), Luke Kennard (illness)