The Toronto Raptors fell apart in the fourth quarter as they come up short to the Detroit Pistons 99-95 for their 6th straight loss.
Race to the bottom
Well it hasn’t been pretty for the Raptors. Yes they have been competitive, but they haven’t won a game in almost two full weeks. They are 2-11, which is dead last in the NBA. This loss to the Pistons is actually significant if you’re on team tank. The Raptors continue to give themselves an early leg up on the other bottom teams. The reality is a tough schedule and early-season injuries have decimated this Raptors season. They are now in a hole and if these losses continue to pile up it might be easier to commit to being bad all season long in hopes of landing a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. If the season ended today the Raptors would have a 14 percent chance at securing the No. 1 pick, which is projected to be generational talent Cooper Flagg. But even if it isn’t Flagg, this is a top heavy draft. If the Raptors finish with a bottom-five record, they will have a great shot at landing a blue chip prospect.
Tough shooting night for Gradey Dick
Dick didn’t have his rhythm going in this game. He finished with 15 points but struggled to shoot the basketball going 4-for-17 from the field and 1-for-10 from three. Dick had an opportunity to give the Raptors the lead late in the fourth quarter but he couldn’t cash in on a good look from the corner three. Then Dick had another great look from deep on a designed play for him to try and tie the game, but the shot clanked out. The sophomore also had three turnovers in the loss.
Jakob Poeltl with a monstrous game
Poeltl was a beast against the Pistons. The veteran put up a big stat line of 25 points and 19 rebounds. It looked like Poeltl was going to join a short 20-20 Raptors club list, but they ended up taking away 1 rebound. Nonetheless, Poeltl has been consistent for the Raptors all season long. Without him the Raptors would not be in these games. He continues to increase his trade value as well. With a few contending teams in need of a center and the Raptors at the bottom of the standings, it will be interesting to see if Poeltl’s name in on the trade market around the trade deadline.
Next on tap
It’s not going to get any easier for the Raptors. They head back on the road to take on the Boston Celtics on Nov. 16.
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