Pre-Season Preview: Wolves At Raptors

Raptors hit the floor at the ACC for the first time this season coming off a win in Boston to kick-off the pre-season on Monday. Minnesota has been a team that people have been projecting to rise for years now. Injuries have gotten in the way of that with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love not getting to see the floor together for a full season. Much like the Raptors the concern in Minnesota is about if this team can get job done on the defensive end of the floor.

One of the positives of the win against Boston was the Raptors performance on the boards that will get a stiff challenge from Kevin Love and company tonight. The T-Wolves also played on Monday losing to CSKA Moscow 108-106 in overtime. CSKA Moscow is the team that former Raptor Sonny Weems is playing for these days but he did not see action on Monday. Rubio played 27 minutes with 10 points and 3 assists but Derrick Williams the former second overall pick in 2011 that led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

One of the problems in the game against Boston was a familiar one for the Raptors struggling from beyond the 3 point-line. Will see if Steve Novak gets some minutes tonight to try and help solve that issue. The Raptors in their inter-squad game looked good from long range but against Boston it was just 2-13 from long range.

Kevin Martin has made his way from OKC to the T-Wolves making this his fourth stop in the NBA but who is counting right. He should be a step up for DeMar DeRozan to deal with. In fact lots of good match-ups in this one highlighted likely by the Lowry versus Rubio match-up.

Both teams have some offensive fire power but are focused on improving on the defensive end of the floor. Will see what we get tonight at the ACC both coaches will be hoping to avoid a shoot-out.