Toronto Raptors: 5 Must Watch Games on the 2016-17 Schedule
By Demar Grant
1. Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons
Wednesday October 26th, 7:30 pm, Air Canada Centre
If you can get tickets to this game, go. It’s the home opener and the first game of the season is always a celebration. Coming off the high of last season’s accolades, the arena will be packed with raucous fans.
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The Pistons are a fledgling group, looking to prove they can ball with the best in the Eastern Conference. They got swept in the playoffs, but being a young team with Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond as their leaders, they’ll be looking to make a statement in their first game.
These two teams also match up very well. Any coach will tell you that games are won with defense and rebounding, with both starting centres well versed in rim protection and grabbing boards. Jonas Valanciunas and Drummond are two of the league’s best rebounders. Although it isn’t necessarily pretty, rebounding battles help determine the outcome of the game.
Jackson against Kyle Lowry will be a treat to watch, two scoring point guards going head-to-head. (Jackson is the type of player who has an edge.) It’s the first game of the season, but don’t be surprised if Lowry’s physical style and Jackson’s trash talk, leads to some chippy play on the hardwood.
Next: Measuring up against the champs