Toronto’s playoff demons returned. With a chance to take a commanding lead in the series, the Raptors stumbled on Saturday, losing on the Pacers’ home floor, turning the best-of-seven into a best-of-three. At least the second-seed Raptors have the homecourt edge, but that means they have to win on it.
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LOOK AHEAD
The Raptors had a chance to put a stranglehold on their first-round series with the Pacers, and they blew it. Toronto failed to match the intensity of the desperate hosts from the jump in Game 4 and was routed by Indiana 100-83 to even the series at 2-2. And once again the main source of frustration was the inability of guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry to make shots. And this time their teammates weren’t there to help out.
A tweak to the starting lineup proved fruitful for the Pacers, who won the battle on the boards for the first time in the series in Game 4. Coach Frank Vogel went with rookie Myles Turner, and while his shooting touch was a little rusty, his energy and ability to keep Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas off the glass was felt early on. Saturday was time for Indy’s complementary pieces to take over and they did, taking plenty of pressure off Paul George.
INJURIES
Ian Mahinmi spent portions of Game 4 moving like he was bothered by a sore back. Actually, the Pacers center was still hindered by the injury that forced him to sit the fourth quarter of Game 3. But he found enough in him to score a playoff career-high 22 points. “My back is not the best right now,” he said after Saturday’s contest.
The dismal performances of Lowry and DeRozan make us wonder if something is wrong. They haven’t put efforts like this together all season but the pair has struggled mightily in this postseason.
KEY MATCHUP
Once again Toronto’s stars didn’t play like their stars and now the No. 2 Raptors are in a dogfight in their first-round series. Lowry and DeRozan combined for only 20 points in Game 4. They had more turnovers – nine – than field goals. And for the second time in three games, DeRozan did not shoot a single free throw. For the series, the Toronto guards are shooting a combined 38.7 percent
Head coach Dwane Casey even tried to blame himself for the troubles of his backcourt saying he had to make an adjustment to get his stars better looks. But at some point the All-Star backcourt needs to put the ball in the basket themselves. “I’m positive. I’m confident, we’re staying level – not getting too high or too low,” Lowry said. He and his backcourt mate will have to start playing to the level they’ve reached all regular season and Tuesday’s Game 5 is their time.
QUICK PICK
The Pacers made some adjustments prior to Saturday’s game and the moves paid off. Rookie Myles Turner was inserted into the starting lineup and provided a spark defensively and on the glass, an area where Indy had been outplayed.
Turner was a factor on the glass and bodied Valanciunas down low. It’s time for the Raptors to reply. Norman Powell can give them the kind of energy needed and he deserves more playing time. But the Raptors’ success relies on their backcourt. A strong Game 5 means a win and a step closer to locking up the series.
NBA Odds: Toronto 98, Indiana 94
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Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors will tipoff Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 6 p.m. ET at the Air Canada Centre. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
