A Raptors game in Detroit is like tucking into one of your favourite meals (a feeling I know well during the holiday season). Toronto fans will make the trip across the border to invade Little Caesars Arena; some will come in buses and be greeted by Jack Armstrong, who will mention them on the broadcast. Cameras will pan to them in the crowd. The cheers for made buckets will be louder for Pascal Siakam than they will be for Blake Griffin.
The Raptors have won seven of their last ten games against the Pistons, and in the middle of a purple patch of games — Washington is up next with a big home game against the Mavericks looming — things look favourable again tonight.