Charting The NBA’s Atlantic Division: A Brook-less Brooklyn?
Jan 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors
Current Record: (27-14)
Predicted Record: (29-14)
Toronto remains the NBA’s premier offense as they head into a new week. The Raptors have been struggling of late, winning just three of their last 10 games. They still rank 4th in the Eastern Conference however, and despite their recent streak they’re still the top dogs in the Atlantic.
Following Monday night’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Raptors head out on a two game road trip. They face off against the Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday in a what will likely be there most difficult test of the week. The addition of Jeff Green has made the Grizzlies a much more well rounded team, however the fact that their defense has yet to show the promise it did in years past should be the opening the Raptors need to roll past them.
Live Feed
Raptors Rapture
The following game will come against their division rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. They sit on opposite ends of both the division and the conference, and as a result there is little doubt that the Raptors can handle them.
In their return to the Air Canada Centre Sunday, the Raptors play hosts to the Detroit Pistons who, until last night, were on quite a roll. While the Pistons did manage to get the better of the Raptors the likelihood of a repeat performance is unlikely.
Player to Watch: Demar Derozan’s return to the lineup from an extended stay on the bench, because of injury, is a welcome addition for the Raptors at a crucial time in the season. The Atlanta Hawks seem to be slowly starting to pull away from the pack in the Eastern Conference, and there is a need for other top teams to stay close as we head into the All-Star break fairly soon. The second half of the season will seem a lot more promising with some moment heading into the break and perhaps a 2nd or 3rd ranking in the east.