The Raptors opened up the year with a splash. In their first game of 2017, they played slow for much of the first half before turning it up and beating the Los Angeles Lakers, 123-114. It was the most points scored against the Lakers in Staples Center in over two years.
As always, the team’s duo of Kyle Lowry (22.7 PPG) and DeMar DeRozan (27.5 PPG), provided much of the goods. Everything was dropping for Lowry, who went 12-for-16 from the field and poured in 41 points (season-high), nine rebounds, and seven assists, while DeRozan eclipsed 30-plus points for the 14th time this season. With the victory, they improved to 23-10 on the season, good for second in the East.
In battling the mighty San Antonio Spurs, the two should once again lead the pack. Through the All-Star backcourt and the all-around great effort from the rest of the team, the Raps rank third in scoring (111.2 PPG) and own the number one rated offense in the league.
They will also look to defend efficiently. Though only ranking 16th in defense and 11th in points allowed (103.2 PPG), they are second-best in the league with 9.2 steals per game, and are causing 15.8 times every night, which is third-most overall.
The Raptors are 12-5 SU and ATS on the road this season.
Unlike their opponents, the Spurs began 2017 with a loss, as the Hawks edged them out in OT, 114-112. It was only their third defeat outside of San Antonio this season.
Kawhi Leonard had one of his worst shooting nights in a while (3-for-12), but the team displayed how well they can adjust to such instances, with LaMarcus Aldridge (27 points and 13 rebounds) and Tony Parker (season-high 22 points and six assists) picking up the slack nicely.
Entering Tuesday’s matchup, the Spurs are one of only two teams (along with the Warriors) to have a top five-rated offense and defense. They also allow the second-fewest rebounds (40.5), third-fewest points (98.3), and sixth-fewest threes (8.6) per game.
Against the aforementioned average Raptors defense, Leonard should be able to have a better game shooting-wise. “The Claw” is leading the team in points (24.0), steals (2.0), and field goals (7.8) per game, while also being top three in rebounds (6.0) and assists (3.1).
The main area that has to be improved is their offense in the shaded lane, as they are 29th in the NBA in scoring within the paint (37.6 per game) despite having Aldridge, Pau Gasol, and a handful of aggressive slashers on their roster.
The Spurs have won six straight games at home (6-0 ATS).
