The Toronto will look to continue their winning ways when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at home.
The Raptors swept the Atlanta Hawks in a mini two-game series and they have won 5 of their last 6 games. They are currently riding a season-high 3-game winning streak.
The Raptors’ fortunes have changed thanks to its defense. Over their last 6 games Toronto has a 106.4 defensive rating, which is third in the league. Scottie Barnes has led the defensive charge and Davion Mitchell’s insertion in the starting lineup for the injured Immanuel Quickley has given the Raptors more balance.
Mitchell deserves a lot of credit. He has stepped in for Quickley in a big way. His defense at the point of the attack has proven to be valuable and it seems like he’s inspired the Raptors’ on-ball pressure to be that much better.
The Raptors’ offensive rating has also been a bit better too. It has seen a slight improvement from its 110.3 mark on the season to 113.5 over the last 6 games.
After a slow start to their season due to injuries, the Pelicans are starting to bounce back just like the Raptors. The Pelicans have gotten more of their players back from injury and have won 4 of their last 6 games.
The Raptors might be in tough for this matchup if Jakob Poeltl misses the game. He’s currently questionable with a back injury. Ochai Agbaji (hand) and Kelly Olynyk (calf) are also questionable. Quickley remains out with a hip injury.
For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray (finger) is questionable, while Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Herb Jones (torn labrum) are out.
The Pelicans are certainly a much more competitive opponent now that they got some pieces back so this should be another strong test for the Raptors.
New Orleans Pelicans (12-34) vs. Toronto Raptors (13-32)
7:30 p.m. EST, Monday, January 27, 2025
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Jamal Shead, Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher
Projected Pelicans Starting Lineup:
PG: CJ McCollum
SG: Javonte Green
SF: Trey Murphy III
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Yves Missi
Key Reserves: Jose Alvarado, Daniel Theis, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
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