Toronto Raptors
fromRaptors Republic
21 hours agoWhat the Raptors learned from their playoff crucible
Playoffs reduce basketball to core identity, simple execution, physicality, and matchup-driven advantages.
By quirk of the fixture scheduling, Milan will meet Como for the first time this season despite having already played 19 games. The game at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia had to be moved because of the Rossoneri's participation in the Supercoppa Italiana just before Christmas. This promises to be a very tough encounter against a Como side that have established themselves as a new force in Serie A and currently occupy a European spot, something that they suggest week by week they can hang on to.
Raptors Outlook Record: 22-15 | 4th in Eastern ConferenceOffensive Rating: 114.0 (19th) | Defensive Rating: 111.8 (4th) | Net Rating: +2.1 (11th) Charlotte is an extremely weak defensive team, with injuries to an already subpar center position. Their point-of-attack defense is also compromised as it is led by LaMelo Ball, a notoriously poor defender, and Kon Knueppel who is also not a standout defender.
Before the Atlanta Braves took on the division leading Phillies, their bats had been pretty hot. That was thanks to Jurickson Profar playing out of his mind, the Michael Harris resurgence, Drake Baldwin continuing to do his thing, Matt Olson staying steady as always, and Ozzie Albies deciding to finally hit. It also always helps when you have the all-world talent of Ronald Acuña Jr. on your side.