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Raptors [11-6] at Pacers [10-8]: Preview & 3 keys to victory

By Brian Boake

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 17: Cory Joseph
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 17: Cory Joseph /
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The Raptors first game of a back to back is against the resurgent Indiana Pacers. Toronto needs to shake off the mess in New York and get back on track.

The Raptors are in tough once again to an Eastern Conference rival on the road. This time it’s the Indiana Pacers, who were supposed to be bottom feeders after dumping Paul George to the Thunder in the off-season. Instead, their top scorer is Victor Oladipo, one of the two who moved to Indy. The other, Domantis Sabonis, leads the squad in rebounding. To add to the surprise, Indy’s record is better than star-studded OKC, which is scuffling at a disappointing 8-9.

Unlike some of the early season flashes in the pan, I think Indy can hang around the playoff race all 82 games. I like teams with balanced scoring, and they have six guys averaging double figures. They are playing their talented kids a lot, while bringing off the bench battle-proven veterans like Al Jefferson. Former Raptor Cory Joseph is in that camp; he’s playing 24+ minutes a night and helping, just like he did in Toronto. Darren Collison starts at the point in front of CoJo. He’s a competent journeyman pro.

ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 20: Victor Oladipo
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 20: Victor Oladipo /

One has to wonder whether the Washington Wizards regret allowing Bojan Bogdanovic to escape. He’s playing a bunch in Indy, and has connected on over 48% of his 3-balls so far. The man can rebound and defend as well as shoot.

Myles Turner starts at center, and he’s a versatile and mobile man to contend with. He’s got a high ceiling, though like a lot of big men, patience is called for.

Lance Stephenson is back in Indianapolis after disappointing a bunch of teams. He’s a flake, and a player I wouldn’t let anywhere near my squad. On the floor, he’ll get you 16 points one night, and 3 the next.

3 keys to Raptors victory

  1. Chase them off the 3-point line. Indiana is the only NBA team shooting above 40% from distance. Given the Raptors are bumping along in 23rd place, the game can be decided right there. Our big men are going to have to get out to the perimeter double-quick or the Pacers will make us pay.
  2. Be patient on offense. Indiana ranks 23rd in opposition field goal attempts, and near the bottom on percentage allowed. In other words, Indiana’s D is vulnerable to a lot of shots, many of them of high-quality. You can score on this team.
  3. Don’t gamble on defense. Indy is third-best at turnovers allowed, so they aren’t likely to donate a lot of points. Play them straight up, and when Oladipo steams through the paint, get help.

Prediction

After enduring the third quarter in New York (for which all of us fans should get a campaign medal), I’m loath to guess at which Raptors team will show up in Indiana. But they can’t shoot me for guessing wrong.

Toronto 106 – Indiana 99

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