Toronto Raptors Weekly Preview: Week Three

Last Weeks Recap:

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a successful week where they went 3-1, with their only loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Demar Derozan continued to dominate the league averaging 32 points per game over that stretch. His impressive run of scoring over 30 points in every game came to an end in the last game against Sacramento. The week was not an overall success as Jonas Valanciunas has suffered a knee injury. He is listed as day-to-day but any lingering injury could seriously compromise the Raptors success this season. Already without Jared Sullinger who had foot surgery just before the season started, they are seriously thin in the front-court.

Matchups:

Oklahoma City Thunder (A), Charlotte Hornets (A), New York Knicks (H)

Oklahoma City Thunder (6-1)

The Raptors start off the week with a big test against the Oklahoma City Thunder who are first in the western conference. The Thunder have been on a tear behind the incredible feats of their star player Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is averaging a ridiculous 33.2 points (second in the league behind only Demar Derozan), 9 rebounds and 9.7 assists. When Kevin Durant decided to take his talents to Golden State this summer, most pundits thought the Thunder might struggle early on. But this team seems to have jelled with Center Steven Adams really coming out of his shell averaging a career high in points, rebounds and assists. New player Jerami Grant has meshed seamlessly with his new club. With the size and athleticism on this roster the Raptors will have to overcome their dreadful three-point shooting that has plagued them to start their season.

Key Matchup:

Kyle Lowry vs. Russell Westbrook

Prediction:

Raptors win 105-94

Charlotte Hornets (5-1)

The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the surprise teams in the NBA this season. Losing two of their key players in Al Jefferson and Jeremy Lin to free agency, they were a team most would have picked to struggle. However, the Hornets have come out with a defensive intensity few thought possible, holding opponents to 42% from the field, good enough for third in the NBA. With playmakers like Kemba Walker shining and a hard-nosed defensive identity, they will be a tough matchup for Toronto. One thing that could make a massive impact in this game was when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist exited the game on Monday with a back issue. Easily their best perimeter defender, Kidd-Gilchrist would have been matched up against Derozan. Even if Kidd-Gilchrist is ready to play on Friday night, any lingering injury could prove disastrous to the Hornets with Derozan playing at such a high level.

Key Matchup:

Kyle Lowry vs. Kemba Walker

Prediction:

Toronto win 92-83

New York Knicks (2-4)

The New York Knicks put together a “big-three” when they acquired Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah in a blockbuster trade this summer. So far this team has not lived up to the high standards of New Yorkers. Their record is indicative of their defensive play, having allowed over 100 points in every single game of the season. They sit 27^th in points allowed per game as well as opponent’s field goal percentage. Their saving grace in this game might be that Toronto will have played the night before in Charlotte and will have to take an overnight flight back to Toronto. That still probably won’t make a difference as the Knicks affinity to isolation offence and woeful defense will probably keep them out of the playoffs again this year. If DeMarre Carroll even has an average offensive game, it could be lights out for New York. Carroll is one of the few small forwards in the league with the size to guard Carmelo Anthony, and his 27% 3-point percentage can’t last forever.