Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys Versus the Detroit Pistons

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the Detroit Pistons, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome in Michigan.

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Dwane Casey, Kyle Lowry and the rest of the Toronto Raptors organization did their best to downplay Friday’s thrilling victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Make no mistake about it though – it was a major statement win by a team looking to prove their credentials.

Of course, no matter what happens from here on out, it is still about what the Raptors do once the playoffs begin. Regardless, they continue their quest for top seed in the East, with a clash against the Detroit Pistons.

This will be the third and final meeting between the sides this season, with Toronto winning the first two games. We consider three keys, which will help determine if they can make it a clean sweep.

1) Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris has been in a zone since arriving in Detroit at the trade deadline. In five appearances for the Pistons, he is averaging 17.6 points and 5.2 boards, while also being good for a couple of dimes per game.

Still only 23 and under contract for another three seasons after this campaign, Harris should prove to be an excellent long-term addition to the team. With excellent range and quickness, he can cause problems for any opponent on his day.

In that respect, the 2011 19th overall draft pick has had his fair share of good performances against the Raptors. James Johnson will be the main man tasked with trying to contain him.

2) Jonas Valanciunas vs Andre Drummond

Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are deserving of all their praise this season, but Jonas Valanciunas is also worthy of some credit. The former fifth overall draft pick is having his best campaign yet, and is on course for career-highs in points and rebounds.

Jan 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) goes up against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pistons 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Furthermore, Valanciunas is on a run of 10 consecutive double-digits in scoring, averaging 14.5 points per game during the streak. For the season, the Raptors are 21-6, whenever he reaches double figures.

Having said all that, the centre will also have to contain Andre Drummond, who will be going for his 14th straight double-double on Sunday. As usual, the best strategy will be to force Drummond to the free-throw line as often as possible, where he is making just .359 percent of his attempts this season.

3) Don’t take the Pistons for granted

In some respects, it would be easy to overlook the Pistons. The Raptors have won both match-ups this campaign, and are 7-2 overall during the last three seasons against them.

In addition, Toronto is in fine form on the road, with a 18-12 record on their travels. However, Detroit is no pushover at the Palace, where they are 17-11 so far.

Don’t get me wrong, Casey’s men should theoretically win this encounter. Unfortunately for them though, games are decided on the court rather than paper, and they are facing an opponent fighting for their playoff lives.

Next: Kyle Lowry punctuates career-night with game-winner

What do you expect from the Raptors against the Pistons? Let us know in the comments section below.

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