Raptors news: DeMar DeRozan previews play-in, Dwane Casey out as Pistons coach

The Toronto Raptors are officially gearing up for their matchup against old friend DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls, another squad who expected to take a step forward this season. Both teams can play a hard-nosed style that may not be the most fun to watch, yet can stifle even the most formidable offenses when operating correctly.

Nick Nurse has made no bones about the fact that he will go into games looking to take the ball out of the opposing star player’s hands as often as possible. This strategy worked to perfection against DeRozan in the regular season, as he scored just 40 points in three regular season games. DeRozan sounds ready for the challenge Nurse provides.

“I’m going to deal with it,” DeRozan said. “I know how to deal with it now. But playing against Nick and those guys, they try to do everything in their power to make sure I don’t beat them…We got a couple days to gameplan and put together something…For my sake, I definitely have my own theory of how I’m going to deal with it.”

More Raptors news

• Stephen Noh of The Sporting News illustrated how Jakob Poeltl will be the key to determining who ends up winning the play-in game. Chicago has the No. 1 defense in the league since the All-Star break due to terrific on-ball defenders like Patrick Beverley and Alex Caruso, so playing Poeltl up near the level of the screen and emphasizing the pick-and-roll could force the Bulls to adjust.
• Former Raptors coach Dwane Casey has vacated his post as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, transitioning to a front office role. While Casey won just 31% of his games and made the playoffs just once in five seasons, he was rarely given a ton of proven NBA players to work with.

NBA news

• Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been suspended for the team’s play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers after punching teammate Kyle Anderson on the sideline. With Gobert and Jaden McDaniels both out, Minnesota’s chances of winning have shrunk in alarming fashion.
• Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer mentioned that the Atlanta Hawks ownership structure gave the front office the green light to trade anyone in the name of improving the team, including star point guard Trae Young. That sound you hear is keys clacking as the NBA Trade Machine gets fired up again.