The Raptors’ second-last game is against the Pistons. That might have looked an intriguing match-up a few months ago, but isn’t now. What can we expect?
The Toronto Raptors play their second meaningless game in as many nights when they face the Pistons in Detroit. The men from Motor City enjoyed a strong start to their season, winning 14 of their first 20 games. They lost their next seven, and never regained their winning ways.
Top man (though for how much longer?) Stan Van Gundy completed a blockbuster deal in late January for power forward Blake Griffin. His arrival didn’t make the difference for the Pistons, nor did the Los Angeles Clippers improve enough to duck into the playoffs.
The Pistons will be in the draft lottery for the third straight season, and eighth in their last nine.
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The Raptors, meantime, need do little more than dress the NBA minimum of eight players, and run some plays. Several Toronto players are nicked up and unlikely to see the floor. Those include Lucas Nogueira, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell. Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan, neither of whom put in any time against Orlando, will probably start. I’d be surprised if either man plays more than 24 minutes.

Detroit will presumably give its kids lots of run, so expect to see swingman Luke Kennard and stretch-4 wannabe Henry Ellenson. If Andre Drummond receives his usual minutes at center, JV and Jakob Poeltl will have their hands full. Drummond is the league leader in rebounds with 16 per game, and is tied for eighth in blocked shots.
The Pistons’ downfall was partly started by a lengthy injury to point guard Reggie Jackson. He’s healthy now, and will probably log more minutes than anyone on either side. Whether Griffin receives lots of time is hard to know. He can be a difference-maker, but he can also disappear for long stretches.
3 things Raptors fans can hope for
- C.J. Miles is surely anxious to prove to himself and the world that the return of his deep shot against the Magic was not a fluke. Whether the Pistons offer stiffer resistance than the who-cares? Magic will be an important factor to watch for.
- We need more offensive production from Pascal Siakam. He’s attempted a mere four 3-balls in April, all of them misses. Pascal is most effective when his corner 3-ball, which is admittedly a work in progress, has a hint of threat. Then he can use a ball fake and drive.
- Speaking of the 3-ball threat, more makes from Delon Wright would be most welcome.
Predictions
- there will be more Raptors fans than Pistons ones, but the arena will still be half-empty
- Kyle Lowry won’t take any charges
- the Pistons will look disjointed on offense
- OG Anunoby will put up a bunch of corner 3s
And you want the score as well? OK…Toronto 106 – Detroit 97