Opinion
3 min read

Raptors Set to Soar or Pelicans Poised to Plunge at Smoothie King Center?

As the Toronto Raptors prepare for their upcoming clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, fans should be cautiously optimistic about their team's chances. The Raptors' recent performances have been a mixed bag, but there are positive signs that suggest they could come out on top in this encounter.


TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors on February 23, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last game against the Utah Jazz on December 24, the Raptors scored an impressive 119 points. Despite losing by a narrow margin, they showed resilience and offensive firepower. They led for nearly 40 minutes of the game and had a significant lead of 17 points at one point. Their fast-break points stood out with a remarkable tally of 26, showcasing their ability to capitalize on turnovers and transition opportunities.


The three-point shooting was also commendable; hitting 41 percent from beyond the arc is no small feat and could be crucial against the Pelicans. However, it's worth noting that turnovers and defensive lapses were issues; they gave up 126 points to the Jazz and had an assists turnover ratio of just over three.


TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 23: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to shoot the ball against the Toronto Raptors on February 23, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back further to December 23 against Philadelphia 76ers, despite scoring a respectable 111 points, defensive shortcomings were evident as they allowed 121 points. The bench contributed significantly with 31 points but will need more support from starters if they're going to overcome NOP.


Against Denver Nuggets on December 21 at home in Scotiabank Arena, TOR struggled defensively once again in a loss where they allowed Denver to score over half their attempts from two-point range (57 percent). The Raptors' own field goal percentage was decent at around mid-40s but not enough to secure victory.


TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against the Toronto Raptors on February 23, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

The key takeaway for Toronto is that while offense hasn't been much of an issue – averaging above hundred points in these games – defense has been porous. If TOR can tighten up defensively without sacrificing their offensive efficiency or fast-break effectiveness, then fans have good reason to believe that victory is within reach against NOP.


On February sixth at eight PM EST (1:00 AM UTC), all eyes will be on Smoothie King Center as these two teams go head-to-head. For international fans looking forward to catching every dribble and dunk live can tune into SportsNet while local supporters can watch through BSNO network channel number six hundred seventy-six dash four.

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