Toronto may have squandered its best chances to hang with the Cavaliers in the fight for the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference with losses in Boston and Houston at the start of its just completed road trip. The Raptors started looking like a contender again in Saturday’s thumping of New Orleans and can reach 50 wins for the first time by ending OKC’s seven-game winning streak.
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Oklahoma City Thunder -2
Toronto Raptors +2
Over/Under: 212
SCHEDULING
The Thunder swept a three-game homestand, ending with Saturday’s 111-92 victory over San Antonio for their seventh consecutive victory. The Spurs played without several key players who were rested, so the outcome has an asterisk by it. But it’s a win nonetheless for OKC, the same team that appeared to have its season teetering on the edge of falling apart just a few weeks ago. The team never felt that way, of course, but coming out of the break just 4-8, there was a reason to doubt OKC’s legitimacy as a threat in the Western Conference. Saturday’s game goes no further in proving that, but what has been established is the Thunder are going to be the West’s third playoff seed, and they still look very much like a threat to the Spurs and Warriors.
Toronto still has a chance at the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but is trying to balance rest with a postseason mentality. Falling further back in the standings is possible, but highly unlikely with a six-game lead over Atlanta and 10 games remaining. Is working for the top seed a priority when the risk to postseason success looms? The Raptors tied the franchise record – set last season – with their 49th win on Saturday, crushing New Orleans to bounce back from a pair of tough losses. Toronto has just eight losses at the ACC this season and is 17-2 SU in its last 19 there.
INJURIES
Thunder coach Billy Donovan stated he will rest some of his regulars down the stretch but didn’t outline a plan to do so. It’s unlikely anyone gets rested Monday night, but with three games in four nights, it could happen.
Raptors’ forward Terrence Ross has missed two straight games with a thumb injury and is questionable to play Monday night. His absence will again test Toronto’s depth on the wing while DeMarre Carroll remains out.
KEY MATCHUP
Much has been said about triple-double machine Russell Westbrook this season, but many of those assists wouldn’t register if not for the deadly shooting of his running mate Kevin Durant. OKC shot 51.8 percent Saturday against the Spurs for its fifth effort over 50 during the winning streak, during which the Thunder have averaged 117.0 points. Durant had a game-high 31 points making 13 of 20 from the field, including 5 of 7 three-pointers, while adding 10 rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes for an efficient evening of work. While the game lost some of its luster with San Antonio resting several regulars, the Thunder still took a workmanlike approach turning the contest into a laugher. Durant is the game’s most dangerous scorer from 15-18 feet and can take apart defenders facing the hoop or with his back to it. His ability to shoot threes and score on drives to the basket makes him a handful to guard. That’s probably why he’s scored at least 20 points in 58 consecutive games.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Neither team really has much to play for as far as the standings go. Both have already clinched playoff spots and are relatively secure in their seeding in their respective conference. But that doesn’t mean either NBA team has started slowing down. A strong finish is a must for both squads since they are contenders, but not the favorite to represent their conference. OKC has put its post-break doldrums in the backseat and has forged a seven-game winning streak, highlighted by Saturdays’ win over San Antonio. Sure the Spurs rested a group of starters, but that’s not OKC’s concern. They wanted a win and got it with a trouncing.
The Raptors have been good at the AAC all season and with a franchise record for wins in a season just one away. The chance to obtain that in front of the home faithful is tempting. Toronto has a talented backcourt in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, and those two offset the production of Durant and Westbrook to get the season sweep for the Raptors.
Toronto 117, Oklahoma City 112
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