The Raptors have lost 8 of their last 9 games, and it’s gotten so bad that even the generally even-keeled Tim Chisolm is writing eulogy-like articles about them. While many people’s hopes for the season have died, there are still a whole bunch of games and a playoff series or two to be played. Unfortunately for the spiralling Raptors, tonight they ride into San Antonio to play the ever improving Spurs, winners of five in a row.
While neither the Spurs or their fans have panicked, even when they momentarily dropped below the 8th spot in the West earlier in the season, the Raptors and their fans all seem to be doing some heavy soul searching and many seem to have given up. This is the difference between a franchise that has won one fewer Championships in the last 20 years than the other franchise has playoff appearances (the Spurs have 5 Championships to the Raptors’ 6 playoff appearances).
This season, San Antonio has rarely looked like the team that dominated the playoffs last year. They have had to overcome numerous injuries to key players, have endured two 4 game losing streaks this season (last year, they didn’t lose more than two in a row all season), and have simply not played as well when they have all been healthy. As a result, last year’s Champions are currently sitting at the 7th seed in the tough West.
But there are a few interesting facts. The Spurs are only 7 games behind last year’s pace, when they won 62 games and looked dominant from opening day. And if they were in the East, they would be sitting in the second spot, just ahead of Cleveland. If that doesn’t highlight the disparity between the two conferences, I don’t know what does.
Also, the current 7th and 8th teams in the West, San Antonio and Oklahoma City, had the two best records last year (you think Memphis and Golden State are not looking forward to those playoff matchups?).
The Spurs have a long history of ramping things up for the playoffs, just as the Raptors seem to have a history of falling apart on the way to the playoffs (2010 season, I’m looking at you!).
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
How Will Casey Try and Right the Ship?
Dwane Casey knows his job is on the line and there’s a lot of pressure to try and give the team some momentum going into the playoffs. The team’s defense has been inconsistent at best and even though the offense is still rated among the top 5 in the league, one just has to watch them for a game to realize that there are major problems on that end, as well.
He’s gone back to the starting lineup that started the season, but the results have been mostly the same. Tinkering with the starters isn’t going to give the team the changes on defense and offense they need. Casey needs to try and figure out what is going to work in the playoffs, and start doing that. What that is is anyone’s guess.
Will The Real Kawhi Leonard Please Stand Up!
Kawhi Leonard has the physical tools and the skills to be a dominant player in the league, but he’s the perfect Spur in that he’d rather just be part of the team. After what many consider to be a disappointing season, the Spurs’ recent winning streak has coincided with a more dominant Leonard. In the last 3 games, he’s averaging 22 ppg on 58% shooting, while also rebounding and defending in his usual manner.
Unfortunately, his three point shooting at a career low and it doesn’t appear to be getting better. If the Spurs are going to be successful, they need Leonard to be able to hit that outside shot. The Spurs offense depends on it.
What Happened To The Raptors’ Front Line?
At the beginning of the season, the Raptors’ front line appeared to be a strength. They had the young Valanciunas who spent the summer getting stronger and training with Hakeem Olajuwon, as well as Amir Johnson, the ever dependable lunchpail guy who seemed to make the team play better whenever he was on the floor. And on the bench they had Patrick Patterson, a stretch four that probably could start for several teams, as well as Tyler Hansbrough, the tough and annoying (to the other team) power forward. They also had Chuck Hayes and the newly signed James Johnson, who could slide over to four in a small lineup.
But Amir might be having his worst season as a Raptor and Valanciunas hasn’t made the jump expected of his, and there are now real questions about how good a defender he is. One thing that many haven’t noticed is the decline in Patrick Patterson’s game in the last few months. He seems to have lost his touch from outside, shooting just 30% from three in his last 14 games.
BREAKDOWN
Starters
Tim Duncan is going to be turning 39 next month, but he was still an All Star this year and has been the backbone of the team once again. Tony Parker is having his worst season in more than a decade, as he’s struggled with injuries, but he’s starting to look like the old (younger) Tony Parker in the last few games. Quietly, Danny Green is having one of his best seasons, and is really what Terrence Ross should aim to be.
About the only Raptor who hasn’t been struggling of late has been DeMar DeRozan, who is playing like he was at the beginning of the season.
Edge: Spurs
Bench
The strong bench of the Spurs is one of the things that allowed them to dominate the regular season last year and go into the playoffs with the starters so well rested. That bench remains mostly intact, but not quite as effective as last year.
Lou Williams and Greivis Vasquez are having excellent seasons, but the rest of the bench seems to have gotten worse as the season has worn on.
Edge: Spurs
Coaching
Gregg Popovich
Edge: Spurs
PREDICTION
The Raptors won the last meeting in Toronto, but the Spurs rarely lose in San Antonio and the Raptors have been playing horribly on the road. Include the fact that both teams are going in opposite direction, and you’ve got difficult game ahead for Toronto.
Score: Spurs 98 – Raptors 89
