"In their final game before the All-Star break the Toronto Raptors are facing off against the Detroit Pistons in their first matchup of the season. Detroit has been red hot this season, being led by their tough physical defense, and the All-Star play of Scottie Barnes' draftmate Cade Cunningham. Detroit sits at the number one record in the eastern conference, so tonight's matchup will give Toronto a great opportunity to see how they stack up."
"Detroit's defense sits at number two in the NBA, and their defense is characterized by extreme physicality, and pressure. Ausar Thompson is a standout defender on this team, along with Jalen Duren, and Detroit's defense as a whole matchup up well against Toronto's offense. They have the size and strength to fortify the paint against Scottie Barnes, and they also have the individual defenders who can stick with Brandon Ingram in one on one situations which he likes."
"Toronto's best chance at scoring reliably and efficiently against Detroit, will be to do what they have done so often this year, turn offense into defense. Detroit has a pretty heliocentric offense at least when it pertains to perimeter creation which is run by Cunningham, which means that Toronto should be able to contain their other ball handlers, especially with the amount of help this system provides. Sending two to the ball when Cunningham tries to create, and then making the subsequent rotation to Tobias"
Toronto enters with a 32-22 record, ranking 5th in the East with a 114.0 offensive rating (16th), 112.1 defensive rating (6th), and a +1.9 net rating (14th). Detroit sits atop the East at 39-13 with a 116.5 offensive rating (10th), a 108.4 defensive rating (2nd), and a +8.1 net rating (2nd). Detroit's defense features extreme physicality and pressure, led by Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren, and can fortify the paint against Scottie Barnes while matching up on perimeter scorers. Toronto's best path to success is pushing transition offense and sending two defenders at Cade Cunningham to force rotations and burden weaker creators.
Read at Raptors Republic
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