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Playoff R2G6 Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers: Jeremy Lin Looks Ready To Contribute If His Number is Called

psalm234 May 9, 2019 Game Thread 0

It was only 5 minutes during garbage time in Game 5 blowout but it is encouraging to see Lin did not look hesitant to be a great playmaker and scorer for his teammates, creating beautiful wrap-around pass after a drive to Moreland followed by a no-hesitation pull-up 3-point shot. It did not look like his back issue is hampering his plays anymore. The nice thing to see was also his desire to ensure all his teammates get touches through excellent ball movement but he also did not hesitate to score through drives and 3pt shots if necessary. He missed a midrange jumper after a penetration but it was the right play that required him to take a short jumpshot when he was given enough space to shoot... »

Playoff R2G5 Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors: With 3 Games in 5 Days, Will Lin’s Number Be Called?

psalm234 May 7, 2019 Game Thread 0

With Fred VanVleet continuing to struggle, Coach Nurse reduced his minutes to 7 minutes in Game 4 and play Patrick McCaw and Kahwi for the rest of his minutes in the 2nd half. Fred VanVleet averages in 4 games vs. Sixers: 1 point on 7.7 percent shooting, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 0.8 steals in 17.6 minutes off the bench. He's 1-of-13 from the field with a plus-minus of -31 and has more personal fouls (7) than assists (4). — Chris Walder (@WalderSports) May 5, 2019 Although Lin is no longer listed in the injury list for his back spasm, it does not look like Coach Nurse has the confidence to play him ahead of McCaw. Perhaps the thought is McCaw would provide tall defender to make it ... »

Playoff R2G4: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers: Siakam is Doubtful, Will Lin Play?

psalm234 May 4, 2019 Game Thread 0

With Raptors trailing 1-2 after Game 3 embarrassing 116-95 loss, Siakam is listed as doubtful with calf injury. Nurse said there's nothing seriously or structurally wrong with Siakam's calf, stresses he hasn't been ruled out yet. He mentioned VanVleet, Powell, Ibaka and McCaw as potential starters if Pascal is out. "None of it is ideal matchup-wise." — Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 4, 2019 The big question will be if Lin will play if Siakam cannot play or even to help the struggling bench unit. It’s unfortunate that Lin suffered back spasm in Game 3. Will Game 4 be the game that Lin can try to help the Raptors to win so they won’t trail 1-3 going back... »

Playoff R2G3: Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers: Will Jeremy Lin Play to Help Cure Bench Woes?

psalm234 May 2, 2019 Game Thread 0

The Toronto bench has been criticized after mustering only 5 points in Game 2 Loss against Philadelphia 76ers. They were outscored 5-26 by 76ers bench. James Ennis III (13 points) and Greg Monroe (10 points) managed to outscore Toronto 2nd unit by themselves. The 2nd unit also only scored 10 points in Game 1 win so it put extra pressure for the starters to carry the game offensively and it resulted in a loss in Game 2 when starters started slow offensively. Will Lin Play? Will There be More Pick-and-Roll Plays for Point Guards? Coach Nick Nurse admitted it has been a pattern and a concern but it remains to be seen if he plans to play Jeremy Lin (playmaking) or Patrick McCaw (defense) to try ... »

Playoff R2G2 Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

psalm234 April 29, 2019 Game Thread 0

The Raptors defense has been very impressive to create 5-game winning streak while holding their opponent under 100 points and 42% shooting. Only 11 other teams have done that in the playoffs over the last 35 years. 8 of them went to the Finals. 3 won the championship. The Raptors have held their opponent under 100 points and 42% shooting in 5 straight games. Only 11 other teams have done that in the playoffs over the last 35 years. 8 of them went to the Finals. 3 won the championship. pic.twitter.com/MU0Fh3Ianp — Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 29, 2019 @JLin7 was surprised to hear Coach Nurse calling him to check in⛹️‍♂️. He immediately grabbed a rebound and made a nice passing🏀to i... »

Playoff R2G1 Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

HV Joy April 27, 2019 Game Thread 0

As provided by @HVJoy Game 1 Preview: Raptors vs Sixers https://www.nba.com/raptors… – Injury report: For the Raptors, OG Anunoby (appendectomy), and Jordan Loyd (coach’s decision) are out. Chris Boucher (back spasms) is listed as questionable. For the Sixers, Mike Scott (bruised heel and plantar fasciitis) is listed as out. – Leonard time: Kawhi Leonard has a perfect 13-0 record against the Sixers in his NBA career. He is coming off a 27-point performance in Game 5 against the Magic, shooting 8-for-11 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from the three-point line. – New look: Though the Raptors and Sixers played each other four times during the regular season, both t... »

Playoff R1G5 Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors

psalm234 April 23, 2019 Game Thread 0

Playoff R1G4 Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic

psalm234 April 21, 2019 Game Thread 0

Playoff R1G3 Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic: A Chance To Regain Home-Court Advantage

psalm234 April 19, 2019 Game Thread 0

The Raptors managed to dominate the Magic with 111-82 win in Game 2 but they still need to win one game in Orlando to regain the home-court advantage. Will the Raptors be able to repeat the strong defense to slow down Orlando Magic on the road? Lin played well finishing with 4 points/1 assist in 4 minutes of garbage time but it is less likely Lin will play in a close game unless Coach Nurse needs him if the 2nd unit is struggling again or the Raptors need help if DJ Augustin is unstoppable again like in Game 1. ESPN Preview The Toronto Raptors hope to continue the dominance they showed in Game 2 when they visit the Orlando Magic for Game 3 of the first-round playoff series Friday night. The ... »

Playoff R1G2 Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors: Will the Raptors Use Jeremy Lin’s Defense to Guard DJ Augustin After Raptors Game 1 Loss?

psalm234 April 16, 2019 Game Thread 0

It is ironic that only after the #2 seed Toronto Raptors got shocked with a Game 1 loss at their home court against the 7th seed Orlando Magic, they started talking about the importance of defense in order to win championship. Prior to the loss, there were aspirations about going to the NBA Finals but not much emphasis on crucial defense to win championships. Is it too late for the Raptors to prioritize team defense after ignoring how well opponents have shot to exploit their lack of defense in regular season? Raptors Lack of Defense Especially 3-Pt Defense and Hot-Shooting DJ Augustin in 2 Regular Season Blowout Losses The lack of Raptors defense have contributed in 2 blowout losses ... »