February gives rest and home cooking for Toronto Raptors
All-Star Break
The Raptors’ last game before the all-star break is Wednesday, February 12 against the Brooklyn Nets. Their next game won’t be until February 21, which means the team will get a much-needed, eight-day break. That break will allow the team to rest and get healthy before it embarks on the regular season’s stretch run.
The All-Star break isn’t only about getting rest. It is also about spending time with family and getting away from the game for a few days. It also means enjoying the festivities that come with All-Star weekend. With Pascal Siakam being named a starter in the All-Star game, and Kyle Lowry being selected as a reserve, it is likely that some of their Raptor teammates will take the trip to Chicago to support them. Both Siakam and Lowry will be getting a little extra work against some of the NBA’s top talent, which never hurts. The hope is that they don’t go crazy and end up getting injured.
Something that is worth mentioning is the Raptors have had a player selected to the All-Star team for the past seven seasons. Kyle Lowry has been chosen as an all-star since 2015. This just shows the consistency #7 has exuded during his time in Toronto. He is very deserving of this year’s selection, as he has played at that level all season. He might not get the constant attention he deserves because of his low-key demeanour, but it is nice to see that his play is being rewarded.
Siakam’s selection as an All-Star starter is even more impressive. A few seasons ago, he was a bench player who struggled to shoot the ball and find his role on the team. A season ago, he burst on the NBA scene and was a vital piece to Toronto’s championship, winning the league’s most improved player award in the process. He had high expectations being the number one option this season and it is fair to say that he has exceeded those expectations. From picking up a basketball in his teens to becoming an NBA star and All-Star starter, Siakam has had an amazing journey and it is only just beginning.
Finally, with some players dealing with nagging injuries, it will be good for said players to get off their feet and get some time off to heal their bodies. While they enjoy the break, they can watch their two All-Star teammates tear up the court in Chicago.