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Toronto Raptors (47-30) @ Indiana Pacers (37-40): Preview

By Adam Stocker

Mar 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) and Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) and Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Raptors head to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to face the Pacers on Tuesday and look to maintain their lead on the number three seed.

The Toronto Raptors face the Indiana Pacers for the third time since March 19. Toronto defeated Indiana in the two previous meetings 111-100 on March 31 and 116-91 on March 19.

The Raptors sit one game ahead of the Washington Wizards in the race for the number three seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have lost four straight games and are tied with Miami for the last playoff spot.

Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Indiana 111-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots the ball against Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Indiana 111-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

In both matchups, Toronto shot better than 45 percent from the floor, 44 percent from three and out-rebounded the Pacers. If the Raptors win all three categories again, they will likely walk away with another double-digit win.

Head Coach Dwane Casey was able to rest some of his key rotation players on Sunday when the team easily defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Casey may not be able to rest his starters in the fourth quarter, but he still needs to be aware of the number of minutes he is playing certain players.

The Pacers are getting desperate for wins. Indiana’s five remaining games could determine the future of their franchise. If the Pacers miss the playoffs, it could mean the end for Paul George in Indiana. The 26-year-old will be entering the last year of his contract before he opts out and becomes a free agent. Pacers’ president Larry Bird and general manager Kevin Pritchard could trade George in the off-season rather than see him leave for nothing after the 2018 season.

Next: What Kyle Lowry's return means to the Raptors

Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV and Radio Info: Sportsnet One – Sportsnet Radio
Live Stream: Sportsnet Now

Three Keys to Victory

  1. Stop Paul George. The Pacers’ wing is by far their best player. Stopping him is no easy task, but as long as the combination of P.J. Tucker (note: he’s “questionable”) and DeMarre Carroll limit the Fresno State product the Raptors should win. In the past two meetings, George has averaged 23 points per game.
  2. Feed DeRozan. The Raptors were able to reduce DeRozan’s minutes in Sunday’s easy win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The extra time on the bench should help the guard down the stretch. In the previous game, DeRozan scored 40 points in 38 minutes. The game before that he scored 22 points in 29 minutes. DeRozan is able to feast on the Indiana defense, so the team needs to go to him.
  3. Outrebound the Pacers. One of the keys to the two previous games was the Raptors winning the battle on the glass. In the two wins, the Raps averaged 14.5 rebounds more than the Pacers. If the Raptors can do that again, they will limit any second chance baskets the Pacers have and create their own offensive opportunities by getting out on the fast break or getting easy put backs.
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