The Toronto Raptors are on a roll, aiming to extend their season-best three-game winning streak when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors recently completed a two-game road sweep of the Atlanta Hawks with a 117-94 victory on Saturday, winning five of their last six games after a five-game losing streak.
In their victory over the Hawks, the Raptors committed 21 turnovers, leading to 17 Atlanta points, but managed to offset this with the Hawks’ 24 turnovers, which resulted in 24 points for Toronto. Scottie Barnes was a standout performer, collecting 24 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two blocked shots, and two steals. RJ Barrett added 23 points and eight rebounds, while reserve Chris Boucher contributed 23 points.
The Raptors shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 36.7 percent from beyond the arc. They limited Atlanta’s Trae Young to 16 points and four assists, forcing him to commit a season-high 11 turnovers.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are coming off a 123-92 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, concluding a three-game road trip. They struggled from the field, shooting 32-for-84 (38.1 percent) overall and 8-for-31 (25.8 percent) from 3-point range.
Zion Williamson returned from a hamstring injury and played his fifth game back, scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, the Pelicans were without guard Dejounte Murray due to a sprained right index finger and right elbow bursitis. Jordan Hawkins scored 14 points as Murray’s replacement in the starting lineup, while Trey Murphy III added 16 points and Yves Missi contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Raptors previously defeated the Pelicans 119-93 on November 27, ending a nine-game road losing streak. Toronto will look to build on their recent success and continue their strong play at home.
The Raptors have been dealing with injuries, as Kelly Olynyk sat out Saturday’s game due to tightness in his right calf, and Ochai Agbaji and Immanuel Quickley remained out with hand and hip injuries, respectively. In their previous win over New Orleans, Agbaji and Jamison Battle each scored 24 points, while CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 19 points.
This matchup promises to be an exciting clash, with the Raptors looking to extend their winning streak and the Pelicans aiming to bounce back from their recent loss.
