Pelicans @ Raptors Preview
Much of the NBA, including the Toronto Raptors, is undoubtedly looking forward to the All-Star break. The Raptors may be more than others.
They are coming off of a very tough five-game road trip. They went 2-3 on that grueling stretch and especially looked to be slumping during the last game of their trip.
They visited the Los Angles Clippers on Friday and lost 118-105, having many wondering if they are not running out of gas after being so hot the weeks prior.
Blame it on fatigue, a lack of aggression or whatever you want, but some of the Raptors stars are were still playing well. DeMar DeRozan put up 36 points and eight assists in the loss to LA, while Keyle Lowry chipped in 19.
DeRozan can look forward to the All-Star break knowing he is going to the All-Star game. He should not look too for ahead, because the Raptors still have two home games before the break. The first of which is tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans are, to be completely honest, not a good team. They are last in the Southwest Division and have lost to the Raptors in the prior four meetings. In fact the Pelicans have lost to the Raptors in six of their last seven meetings.
The Pelicans lost to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, which was the beginning of a three-game road trip, the second of which is against the Raptors.
Anthony Davis is playing well enough, averaging 25.7 points a game and shooting at just over 60 percent. It is clearly not enough to push New Orleans to be a contender, however.
A win for the Pelicans could help push them toward hitting the .500 win percentage, but they are five games behind the No.7 seed in the Western Conference and division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. So unless a lot of things go their way, they are not going to be making a playoff run this season.
The Pelicans will be playing to win, however, as they are not just going to lie down for Toronto.
The Raptors are the –7 favorites to win this game according to the point spread at Bovada. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET.
