Opponent Scouting: Toronto Raptors (34-27)
Tonight at 7:30pm the Pistons are on the road to face the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons are on one day of rest after losing to the Wizards. The Raptors are coming off a win over Brooklyn.
The Them:
The Raptors come into tonight with the statistical oddity of having the 14th ranked offense and defense in the league. Those combine together for the 14th best net rating.
Listed as questionable for Toronto is PG Fred VanVleet and wing OG Anunoby. If they are out it is a big blow to the team as they combine for nearly 40 points per game.
Pascal Siakam is the leading man with those injuries and he has bounced back aftee struggling last season. He's lanky, athletic, and a smart passer. The shooting isn't great bur he's highly effective on both ends of the court. Rookie Scottie Barnes has struggles a bit with his shot but he's a tenacious athlete from the wing who looks advanced for his age.
Gary Trent has been great for Toronto, scoring 18 points per game on solid efficiency and effective outside shooting. Khem Birch does basic big-man stuff effectively. Malachi Flyn played a bit in their last game, Chris Boucher is super athletic, Thad Young is still an effective inside scorer, Precious Achiuwa plays hard.
The injury situation makes a big difference here. If OG and FVV are healthy this is much different team. Either way, the Raptors are tough as nails, well coached, and can hurt you a lot of different ways.
Matchups to watch:
Saddiq Bey vs. Aggression: Bey has been on a tear since the calendar flipped to 2022. His aggression in trying to attack the hoop and use his size is not always effective, but he is starting to show signs he can he more than just a shooter. Keep attacking.
Grant vs. Siakam: I'd assume these two will spend much of the night matched up. Grant continues to be in a funk, but he's still got an important role on offense and is the Pistons best defensive option for Siakam.
Stewart vs Raptors bigs: Stewart is finding some better offensive chemistry, and the Raptors are not exactly loaded with awesome bigs. Could be a good game for him to assert himself.
Pistons vs. Avoiding the traps: The Raptors tenacious defense is exactly the type that could cause the Pistons to fall into their worst offensive habits. It will take extra effort to make sure they move the ball and don't get bogged down.
Casey vs Toronto: Genuinely funny thay Casey has owned the Raptors since being fired. It'd be fun if that continued.
So in conclusion…
Run for the hills if:
The Raptors are healthy.
Scottie Barnes is dunking a lot.
The Pistons offense is in a sludge.
Wink knowingly at your friends if:
You think about the fact that Cade Cunningham plays for the Pistons.
Saddiq Bey is bullying the Raptors to the hoop.
COREY JOSEPH REVENGE GAME
Opportunities for me to look stupid:
Cade Cunningham scores 30
Pascal Siakam is a serious issue
The Pistons win at the last second because Dwane Casey has a curse on Toronto.