The raptors are coming off their worst season loss Friday night against a Joel-Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers. Facing a Philly team without Joel Embiid, the Raps allowed a career-high explosion from Tyrese Maxey, who dropped 44 points in a 112 - 90 win.
Sure, there was a need for their opponent to get back form, but the Raps let down in all the area's they'll need to be consistent to hang with a tough eastern conference. They were sloppy defending dribble drives, couldn't execute help sequence's on James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, and let an undermanned, struggling team get in a grove.
In addition, steady Freddy was a no-show on Friday. Are the minutes taking their toll on the Raptor's veteran leader already?
The eastern conference doesn't get any easier, and tonight Toronto will host the 4-2 Atlanta Hawks - who have seen their off-season acquisition De'jount Murray go off early in the season. Dejounte Murry has fit seamlessly alongside Trae Young, and the explosive duo is doing their damage early in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta hasn't had the most brutal schedule today. With wins over the rockets, magic, and two over the pistons, they're not yet the deciding force in the East.
Tonight's game against Toronto will be a good measuring stick for where this Atlanta team is at. Toronto, sitting at 3-3, has to find a way to overcome their offensive droughts throughout the game. The biggest issue with the Raptors has been their lack of consistent play throughout a 48-minute game.
We've seen spurts of good offence, but they often get bogged down and look lost on the court. If they can't figure out how to put together a full game of good basketball, it will be a long season for the 2019 champs.
