Raptors hoping to bounce back against Indiana

The last time the Pacers and Raptors met it was an ugly game. The Raptors came out with a victory but scored only 5 points in the fourth quarter, edging out the home team by a mere 2 points. Things are bound to be different as both teams are far different since their last meeting.

Jose Calderon – who recorded a triple double in the last contest – is no longer with the team; and Rudy Gay is. For the Pacers, Paul George has blown up averaging 19.6ppg, 8.1rpg, and 4.2apg since the beginning of December to go along with his lock-down defense.

The Raptors have lost two straight and the Pacers are on a five game winning streak. Kyle Lowry got out of his slump – putting up 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals against the Celtics; but the wing production was horrendous with DeRozan, Gay, and Anderson going for a combined 15 for 47. Against the best defensive team in the league that swingman rotation is going to need to come up better than that.

In spite of some on-court booing upon substitution and a lot of flack going his way, Bargnani played surprisingly well in his short return. He only had 13 points but his energy level and good defensive play was something that has not been seen for a while. Maybe this is the time where he turns things around. Against the Pacers the Raptors are going to need it.

Game tips off at 7pm E.T. in Indiana.