Game Preview
The Raptors are coming off a 30 point win to the Magic after letting one go to the Hawks. The Brooklyn Nets have lost their last two – including yesterday’s loss by one point in Philadelphia.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto has had a very strong season so far. They lost the other night against a Hawks team they should have beaten – but even the best lose once in a while. Last night that was not the case – the Raptors beat the Magic by an embarrassing 30 pts. The Raptors are dangerous even when playing their second string. Derozan is putting up 28.4 pts per game, Lowry 21.2 and big JV Jonas Valanciunas 12.4. The Raptor lineup has been consistent and the team continues to play within a game of first place.
Key Player: Demar Derozan
An American player from Compton, CA. He was selected ninth overall by the Raptors in 2009. He is a two time all star and has played for team USA in the 2014 WC and the 2016 Olympics. He is in his eight season as a Raptor. His entire career he has put up about 20 pts a game – this season he has really stepped on the gas and is putting up much higher numbers. This guy IS the Raptors Franchise – and along with JV and Lowry – the keys to the Raptors future. DeRozan earns 24.17 Million per year.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is having a very different season from Toronto. They are a terrible 7-19 on the season which keeps them half a game out of dead last. They have lost their last two coming into tonight’s game. The key to Brooklyn’s game besides trying to quite a raucous ACC is to take advantage of the Raptors defence mistakes. Atlanta out disciplined the Raptors – which is exactly the kind of game the Nets have to play if they want to get the win. Brook Lopez is the point man on the team averaging 20.3 pts, Booker with 9 rebounds and Lin with 5.6 assists are of note. These core players along with all secondary player must take advantage of any slips in the Raptors defense and make them play on their heels.
Valuable Player: Brook Lopez
An American basketball player from North Hollywood, CA. He was originally drafted by the New Jersey Nets 10th overall – and has been with them since the 2008 draft. He was named to an All-Rookie time and was selected Rookie of the month twice. He was named an all-star in 2013. Lopez is a solid 20 pt scorer. He has been consistent with his career with the Nets. He currently earns 19.69 Million per year.
Editor: @cryptoiskey
Presenter: @rgeddes
