The Raptors are in Florida for their first try against Bismack Biyombo and the Magic. Can Toronto bounce back after a disappointing home loss to the Hawks?
The Toronto Raptors visit Orlando, but not for rides at the Magic Kingdom. Instead, they have the task of slowing down this year’s version of the Magic, which is different than last year’s or the one before. This organization has been rebuilding for too long. If they miss the playoffs (an odds-on proposition), it will be their fifth straight year on the outside.
For a team which has had a bunch of lottery selections recently, their lineup sure looks cobbled together. Bismack Biyombo parlayed his brilliant play in the Raptors’ post-season run into a huge contract. He’s the starting center, and is having exactly the season we’d expect from him: impressive non-scoring numbers. Who else isn’t showing any scoring Magic – their point guards, D.J. Augustin and Elfrid Payton. The T’Wolves have tried to keep Ricky Rubio as their PG, but winning teams in today’s NBA need more than assists from that position.
Orlando, tied with their Florida pals in Miami for 27th, is starved for points. They average 97.4 points per game [PG], which would have been OK back when Vince Carter was Air Canada but isn’t anymore. Only their respectable defense, anchored by Biz and Serge Ibaka, keeps them in games.
3 keys to Raptors victory
Mar 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) try to defend during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion & Final Score
After that wake-up call against Atlanta, the Raptors should be humbled and ready to run. The Magic don’t have the firepower to stay with our team.
Raptors 118 – Magic 103
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