Toronto Raptors Two-Man Game: Kyle Lowry’s Injury

Does Kyle Lowry’s injury mean the Toronto Raptors race for the second seed is over? Did they make a mistake in trading Terrence Ross? To help pick up the pieces, Demar Grant and Chris Okrainetz bring you the Two-Man Game.

Are Jonas Valanciunas‘ days as a Raptor numbered? Who should be the starting guard in Lowry’s absence? Find out this time on Dragon Ball… erm, the Two-Man Game.

Is the race for second officially dead with Lowry out until the playoffs?

Chris: I wouldn’t say it’s “dead,” but I think it’s became much more difficult, especially since Boston is starting to get players like Avery Bradley back. Realistically, the Raptors won’t finish second and are more than likely heading for third or fourth place in the East.

I’d prefer the Raptors to finish third and play the Pacers, Bulls or Pistons, as opposed to finishing fourth and playing the Hawks. Plus, finishing third means the Raptors would likely avoid the Cavs in round two, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Demar: I know I recently wrote a piece about the Raptors not being out of the second seed race, but their chances look more grim by the day. Without Lowry, the Raptors were still in the running, because of the sudden influx of depth at the big man positions to make up for the backcourt recession.

Unfortunately, DeMarre Carroll‘s ankle tweak is going to keep him out for a few games. The Raptors can’t afford to give up any more games if they want to continue their ascent, but losing two starters is damning for postseason seeding.