Raptors Top New Orleans Pelicans 115-110 at Home

The Raptors held off the New Orleans Pelican on Thursday night at the Scotiabank Arena, winning 115-110. They improved their NBA regular season record to 29-31 and 19-13 at home. The Raps have been 7-3 in their last 10 games and seem to be heating up as we get to the business end of the season.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors in scoring, putting in 26 points on 9-21 shooting as all starters on Toronto got into double figures. Jakob Poetl had a strong night, with 21 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to go with it. Scotty Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. each chipped in with 18 points as well.

Once again the Raptor’s bench production was on the low side which has been a big cause for concern leading up the postseason. The bench was only able to muster 20 points but was quite efficient on 8-18 shooting. Going forward the Raptors will likely look to make some changes to their lineup to ease the minutes of their starters.

The win was the Raptors’ third straight and sixth in seven games, which could serve as a great launching pad for the remainder of the season. Currently in the 9th seed of the Eastern Conference, Toronto will be eyeing the sixth seed to avoid the play-in tournament.

Unfortunately, the Raps have the league’s fifth most difficult schedule to finish the season. They will need to play well to get anywhere near that elusive sixth seed.

Who’s Next for the Raptors?

Next up for the Raptors will be the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon at the Little Caesar Arena. The Pistons are sitting at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-45. Toronto will be looking to make quick work of Detroit as they set out on a road journey which will see them play seven of their next eight away from the Scotiabank Arena.

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