By: Sam Aucoin
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Raptors are in New Orleans tonight for a matchup against the Pelicans. For a team that is clearly rebuilding, the Raptors have made it entertaining for fans but poor fourth quarter play has been a top contributor to their 4-14 start.
Toronto comes into tonight’s matchup still looking for their first road win. Victories against Indiana and Minnesota last week provided some hope but after getting outscored 26-18 in the fourth to fall 122-108 in Cleveland, closing games remains the biggest concern.
To their credit, the Cavaliers are among the best in the league and were 16-0 before falling to Boston last week. The Celtics also had trouble when the Raps came to town. The games tied at 114 going into overtime but Toronto could not hang on.
“You need to be in these situations to learn what it takes to win,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic after Monday’s loss to Detroit. “We’re right there learning how to win these games.”
The Pelicans, tonight’s opponent, are not exactly in a better situation with the same record as Toronto. However it has been the exact opposite for New Orleans who were projected to be contenders in the western conference but injuries – including star power forward Zion Williamson – have hurt them mightily.
At nine and a half games back in last place, the Pelicans have some work to do. The Raptors are 13 games back in third to last ahead of Philadelphia and Washington. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm on TSN.
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