Raptors Wrap Things Up With Pistons

Toronto Raptors finish off their schedule prior to Christmas with the Pistons coming a calling in this holiday season. There is talk out of Detroit that Richard Hamilton is not a happy camper. The Pistons after signing Charlie V and Ben Gordon last season instead of improving have even gotten worse. The Pistons once dominated the Raptors. But the Raptors have swept the season series last year and earlier this season had a franchise record 25 point comeback win in Detroit. Joe Dumars is no longer thought of has one of the smartest G.M's in the league. The sellout streak in Detroit is long gone. Here is a Christmas stat for you, the Raptors were 1-10 in the game before the Christmas break prior to Jay Triano taking over as coach. Under Triano they are 2-0 and also are 2-0 in the game after the Christmas break. It possible to extend that to 3-0 on both counts with the Pistons tonight and Memphis on the 27th.

The Basics: Pistons 9-19 (2-12 on the Road) vs Raptors 10-19 ( 8-11 vs East)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors landed the first punch on the Champion Lakers with a lead after the 1st Quarter. From there the Lakers would take control of this game in the middle quarters and have enough left to hang on for an easy win. Kleiza made it back to back big games/good games for him and the Raptors were without Bargnani and Weems. Demar DeRozan was also nice in this one.

Key Match-Ups: Rodney Stuckey has been banged up and T-Mac played the point in an OT win over New Orleans on the 19th. Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless need to take advantage of this advantage for the Raptors. Amir Johnson vs Charlie V is a interesting to watch. Charlie always seems to get up for games vs the Raptors and Amir when he can stay on the floor can be effective. While Andrea Bargnani status is unknown but if he plays the Pistons may not have anyone that can match up with him. But at the same time on the glass Ben Wallace on some nights can hit the retro button and be a force on the glass.

Other Things Of Note: Raptors have won 2 straight at the ACC vs Detroit but are 9-19 all time vs the Pistons. Despite the Raptors Miracle comeback in Detroit when they trail heading into the 4th Quarter they are 3-14. You might be surprised to know the Raptors actually have an advantage on the glass averaging 41.4 rebounds to just 38.8 for the Pistons. Talked with Matt Devlin with his thoughts on tonight's game and a lot more and that will be up on the site shortly or already is depending on when you read this. We also will have a few Christmas Posts for you tomorrow and then take a couple days of for the holidays.

Where is it on? Rogers Sportsnet (All Regions)