When the Toronto Raptors visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday afternoon, they will attempt to win four games in a row for the first time this season.
For the third time this season, the Raptors prevailed over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 115-110 on Thursday night. The Raptors won for the sixth time in their last seven games thanks to 26 points from Pascal Siakam.
The Pistons, who have lost six of their last seven games, are coming off a road loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, which they lost 108-106. With 5.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Detroit made a 3-pointer by Jaden Ivey, but Orlando won on a tip-layup by Wendell Carter Jr. at the final buzzer.
This season, the Raptors are 2-0 against the Pistons, winning 119-118 at home on Feb. 12.
O.G. Anunoby scored 12 points on his return to the Raptors’ lineup on Thursday after missing nine games with a sprained wrist. Fred VanVleet was not in Toronto (personal).
Before the trade deadline, Jakob Poeltl, who was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs, scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds. He also had a block and three steals. He had 30 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in a victory over Orlando on Feb. 14, his final game before the All-Star break.
With 33.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans overcame a 15-point deficit to pull within two points, but Gary Trent Jr.’s three-pointer secured the victory and gave him 18 points. Additionally, Scottie Barnes scored 18,
despite the comeback of the Pelicans. What he saw defensively pleased the nurse.
Orlando, Fla. In the fourth quarter, Ivey made 10 of his 25 points as the rookie’s self-assurance increased.
Ivey shot 9-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-7 attempts at the three-point arc. Two of his four free throws were successful.
